Data Zone
Justification of Red List category
This recently split species is suspected of having a small population and to be undergoing an accelerating and moderately rapid decline owing to habitat loss and degradation. It has therefore been classified as Near Threatened.
Population justification
The population size has not been quantified. The species ranges from uncommon to moderately common within its range (Kemp et al. 2021). It is provisionally suspected to number 1,000-10,000 individuals, roughly equating to 670-6,700 mature individuals, but this value requires confirmation.
Trend justification
The population is suspected to be declining moderately rapidly owing to the ongoing destruction and degradation of montane forests and has reportedly declined in Tanzania (N. Cordeiro in litt. 2013, S. Thomsett in litt. 2013). The species is highly forest dependent and is suspected to be declining at the same rate as forest loss; which has averaged c.15% over the last three generations (21.15 years; Global Forest Watch 2022, using Hansen et al. [2013] data and methods disclosed therein). Tree cover loss seems to have been accelerating in more recent years to a rate equivalent to 22% over three generations (Global Forest Watch 2022, using Hansen et al. [2013] data and methods disclosed therein). Consequently, the population decline may likewise be accelerating and the rate of decline over the next three generations is therefore suspected to be 20-29%.
Buteo oreophilus is distributed from Ethiopia, west through Kenya, Uganda, South Sudan and Rwanda to eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, and south to Tanzania, Burundi and Malawi.
Occurs in montane forest, exotic plantations and adjoining grassland between 2,000 m and 3,500 m, sometimes above 4,500 m, by themselves or in pairs (del Hoyo et al. 1994, Zimmerman et al. 1996). Takes small prey items, typically small mammals and reptiles but also insects, and reported to hunt on the wing (unlike the perch-hunting B. trizonatus) (del Hoyo et al. 1994, Clark and Davies 2000). Lays between March and July in Uganda and September and October in Kenya (del Hoyo et al. 1994).
Montane forest in much of the range has suffered from extensive deforestation. Tree cover loss seems to have been accelerating in more recent years to a rate equivalent to 22% over three generations (Global Forest Watch 2022, using Hansen et al. [2013] data and methods disclosed therein). It may also suffer from increasing competition with Augur Buzzard B. augur and Common Buzzard B. buteo in parts of the range (S. Thomsett in litt. 2013).
Conservation and Research Actions Underway
No targeted actions are known. Occurs in a number of protected areas.
Conservation and Research Actions Proposed
Survey throughout the known range to estimate the population size and trend. Clarify ecological requirements and threats to the species. Lobby for effective management of protected areas where it occurs.
45cm. A small buzzard similar in appearance to B. buteo, but generally whiter below with an even covering of large dark brown blotches and greyish-brown eyes. Similar spp. Common Buzzard B. buteo is very similar but generally warmer brown above and browner below with much less bold marking underneath. B. trizonatus has an unstreaked throat, plain white band across chest, rufous tones in various parts of the plumage.
Text account compilers
Rotton, H.
Contributors
Butchart, S., Cordeiro, N., Ekstrom, J., Harding, M., Hermes, C., Martin, R., Symes, A., Taylor, J., Thomsett, S. & Westrip, J.R.S.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Mountain Buzzard Buteo oreophilus. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/mountain-buzzard-buteo-oreophilus on 21/12/2024.
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 21/12/2024.