Data Zone
Justification of Red List category
This species has a restricted range, which is likely declining. Its habitat is not thought to be severely fragmented yet and so it is listed as Near Threatened, but any evidence to show it is severely fragmented could lead to it being uplisted in the future.
Population justification
The population size has not been quantified but before it was split from P. debilis, the pre-split species was described as generally common (Fishpool and Tobias 2016).
Trend justification
The population is inferred to be in decline as a result of clearance and degradation of its forest habitat.
Phyllastrephus albigula is found in forest above 300m in the Usambara, Nguru and Nguu Mountains in north-east Tanzania.
It occurs in mature forest habitats between 600 m and 2,150 m, potentially sometimes down to 300 m (del Hoyo et al. 2017).
Encroachment for subsistence agriculture continues within this species's range. Although this has been regarded as a minor threat (N. Baker in litt.1999), in some forests wood extraction is still a very serious issue (Goodman et al. 1995).
Conservation Actions Underway
Some of its range falls in Forest Reserves. Some forest areas in the west Usambaras have developed community management plans (Goodman et al. 1995) but the outcomes and effectiveness of these is not known. In February 2000 a three-year evaluation of forest health, land-use change and information sharing in the Eastern Arc forests was established (Madoffe et al. undated, see www.easternarc.org). Satellite imagery, permanent sample plots and stakeholder interviews are being used to evaluate forest health (Madoffe et al. undated, see www.easternarc.org).
Conservation Actions Proposed
Conduct fieldwork to establish its population size. Commence population monitoring. Assess and monitor potential threats, especially the extent and rate of loss or degradation of its habitat. Work with organisations such as Tea Estates to conserve forests (Goodman et al. 1995).
Text account compilers
Westrip, J., Ekstrom, J., Butchart, S.
Contributors
Kirwan, G., Baker, N.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Montane Tiny Greenbul Phyllastrephus albigula. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/montane-tiny-greenbul-phyllastrephus-albigula on 23/11/2024.
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 23/11/2024.