Data Zone
Justification of Red List category
This species is restricted to a small range, where habitat loss is ongoing and causing slow population declines. It is therefore assessed as Near Threatened.
Population justification
The global population size has not been quantified, but this species is described as 'fairly common' (Stotz et al. 1996).
Trend justification
The population trend has not been investigated, but the only threat known to the species is the logging and fragmentation of forests within the range. Tree cover within the range is lost at a rate of 6% over three generations (11.1 years; Global Forest Watch 2023, using Hansen et al. [2013] data and methods disclosed therein). Apart from forests, the species is sometimes also found in dense secondary scrub (Schulenberg and Jaramillo 2020); consequently, even though the population is suspected to be declining the rate of decline is likely low. Tentatively, the population decline is here placed in the band 1-9% over three generations.
Arremon nigriceps is found in the upper Marañón Valley in northwest Peru as well as in adjacent extreme south Ecuador. This is a naturally small range and the extent of occurrence falls below 20,000 km2. Rates of forest cover loss (Global Forest Watch 2023) indicate that there is a continuing decline in the extent, area and quality of habitat taking place, and in the area of occupancy (AOO). A modelled distribution supplied by M. Sanchez-Nivicela (in litt. 2024) estimates a total suitable habitat area of just under 5,000 km2., suggesting that while it has not been directly estimated, the AOO likely exceeds threatened thresholds. With habitat loss the the most severe threat across the small range it is plausible that a moderately small number of logging events can quickly cause habitat loss and impact the population present, hence a moderately small number of locations may apply.
It inhabits forest understory and sometimes dense scrub (Schulenberg and Jaramillo 2020).
Due to the species' preference for forests, it is vulnerable to the loss and degradation of habitat, mainly through logging and expansion of agriculture and livestock pastures. Logging events appear currently small-scale, but are widespread across the entire known range (see Global Forest Watch 2023).
Conservation Actions Underway
No targeted actions are known.
Conservation Actions Proposed
Accurately quantify the population size. Investigate the species' ecological requirements. Investigate the impact of threats, in particular the species' response to ongoing habitat loss and degradation. Monitor the population trend. Monitor rates of habitat loss.
Protect areas of suitable habitat within the range. Raise awareness for the species and its habitat.
Text account compilers
Hermes, C.
Contributors
Butchart, S., Derhé, M., Ekstrom, J. & Sánchez-Nivicela, M.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Maranon Sparrow Arremon nigriceps. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/maranon-sparrow-arremon-nigriceps on 22/12/2024.
Recommended citation for factsheets for more than one species: BirdLife International (2024) IUCN Red List for birds. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/search on 22/12/2024.