Data Zone
Justification of Red List category
This poorly known species is suspected to be declining at a moderately rapid to rapid rate due to extensive habitat loss and degradation caused by land conversion to agriculture and overgrazing by livestock. Monitoring is needed to determine the currently occupied range, which is feared to have reduced considerably. It is therefore assessed as Near Threatened.
Population justification
The global population size has not been quantified, but the species is considered 'uncommon' in Oromia, which constitutes a large part of its range (Gedeon et al. 2017, Kirwan et al. 2022). It is reported to have declined rapidly in recent years (A.A. Mamo in litt. 2024).
Trend justification
Although little is known about the actual demographics of the species' population, the moorland habitat it depends on is undergoing destruction and degradation due to increasing human pressure and subsequent conversion to agriculture and overgrazing from livestock farming (A. Shimelis in litt. 2013, Kirwan et al. 2022). In addition, climate change will likely increasingly affect the species' habitat within the next 16 years (three generations) as temperatures and precipitation levels change (McSweeney et al. 2010, Gedeon et al. 2017). Anecdotally the species was considered locally frequent to common in the 1970s, whereas now it is characterised as uncommon in the majority of its range (Gedeon et al. 2017, Kirwan et al. 2022).
It is therefore suspected that the species' population is experiencing a decline due to the loss and degradation of suitable habitat, which will likely continue in the future. It is suspected that the rate of this decline may be moderately rapid (A. Aero in litt. 2024), however there is an urgent need for systematic monitoring to allow better inference of the rate of reduction.
Scleroptila psilolaema is endemic to the highlands of Ethiopia, and is mainly found in the Oromia region (Gedeon et al. 2017, Kirwan et al. 2022, eBird 2023).
It inhabits montane moorland and grassland, generally at 2,400-4,000 m (Redman et al. 2009). Its diet is poorly known, but it is thought to comprise bulbs and roots, foraged in damp grassland (Kirwan et al. 2022).
High altitude moorland and grassland in Ethiopia is under intense pressure, mainly due to overgrazing and conversion to agriculture. Heathland in the highlands has the highest density of livestock in Ethiopia, and loss and degradation of habitat, as well as disturbance, including damage to nesting sites, are highly likely (A. Shimelis in litt. 2013, Kirwan et al. 2022, A. Aero in litt. 2024). The species is suspected to be hunted and traded for food (Gedeon et al. 2017), although the intensity of these practices and the impact they may have on the species' demography is not known. The species may also be affected by climate change in the future, due to potential increased habitat loss (A.A. Mamo in litt. 2024).
Conservation and research actions underway
It occurs in several protected areas including the Bale Mountains National Park, Simen Mountains National Park and Guasa reserve (A. Shimelis in litt. 2013, Kirwan et al. 2022).
Conservation and research actions proposed
Conduct surveys to assess its population size, distribution, habitat requirements, and the scope and severity of the threats it faces. Establish a regular monitoring scheme in order to determine the species' population trend. Ensure effective protection and management of protected areas of suitable habitat within its range. Conservation measures targeted towards protecting the species itself should be developed (A.A. Mamo in litt. 2024)
Text account compilers
Rutherford, C.A.
Contributors
Shimelis, A., Symes, A., Taylor, J. & Mamo, A.A.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Moorland Francolin Scleroptila psilolaema. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/moorland-francolin-scleroptila-psilolaema on 22/11/2024.
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 22/11/2024.