LC
Mountain Shrike Lanius validirostris



Justification

Justification of Red List category
This species has a very large range that does not approach the thresholds for Vulnerable under the range size criterion (Extent of Occurrence <20,000 km² combined with a declining or fluctuating range size, habitat extent/quality, or population size and a small number of locations or severe fragmentation). The population size has not been quantified, but it is not believed to approach the thresholds for Vulnerable under the population size criterion (<10,000 mature individuals with a continuing decline estimated to be >10% in ten years or three generations, or with a specified population structure). The population trend appears to be stable, and hence the species does not approach the thresholds for Vulnerable under the population trend criterion (>30% decline over ten years or three generations). For these reasons the species is evaluated as Least Concern.

Population justification
The population size of this species has not been quantified, but it is described as uncommon (Allen 2020).

Trend justification
The habitat of this species is thought to be secure and, in the absence of other threats, the population is therefore suspected to be stable.

Distribution and population

Lanius validirostris is endemic to the Philippines, where it occurs on Luzon (nominate validirostris, in Cordillera Central and Sierra Madre), Mindoro (subspecies tertius) and Mindanao (subspecies hachisuka, including on Mt Kitanglad, Civolig, Mt Malindang and Mt Apo) (Collar et al. 1999, Allen 2020).

Ecology

It occurs in clearings within and on the edges of tropical montane oak and pine forest, second growth and open woodland, and grassland/cultivation with scrub; at 1,200-2,400 m (Allen 2020).

Threats

Although its area of occupancy is probably relatively small, its habitat is apparently secure and it is present in a high proportion of suitable patches. This species also benefits from the degradation of forest and prefers clearings and openings. As a montane species, it may however be threatened by climate change in the future.

Conservation actions

Conservation Actions Underway
No targeted conservation actions are known for this species, although some of its habitat is at least nominally protected.

Conservation Actions Proposed
Conduct repeated surveys in areas within and surrounding the species' range to determine its current distribution and abundance. Assess population trends and rates of habitat loss. Conduct ecological studies to improve understanding of its precise habitat requirements, tolerance of secondary habitats and response to fragmentation. Protect areas of habitat occupied by the species and safeguard against future threats.

Acknowledgements

Text account compilers
Berryman, A.

Contributors
Benstead, P., Gilroy, J. & Taylor, J.


Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Mountain Shrike Lanius validirostris. Downloaded from https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/mountain-shrike-lanius-validirostris 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.