Data Zone
Justification of Red List category
This species has a very small and restricted range, and is experiencing a continuing decline in habitat quality due to loss of its montane forest habitat. It is therefore classified as Endangered. However, further surveys of nearby forested mountain-tops are recommended to allow a more robust understanding of the species' distribution, population size and ecological requirements.
Population justification
When the population was rediscovered in 2001, it was suggested that there were likely to be >50 individuals, based on an estimate of suitable habitat in the Njesi Plateau (Ryan and Spottiswoode 2003). A further visit in 2011 found that the population could be of a 'reasonable size' and probably numbered in the hundreds (J. McEntee in litt. 2016). Surveys in 2016 extended the range of the species to Mount Sanga and Mount Chitagel, and additional surveys of unexplored mountains nearby are important to understanding of this species (Jones et al. 2020). Based on this information, the population is placed in the range of 50-249 mature individuals, which is the equivalent of 75-373 individuals, rounded to 75-400 individuals.
Trend justification
The Njesi Plateau is undisturbed by humans and is rarely ever visited, and thus it was assumed the population trend could be stable (Ryan and Spottiswoode 2003). However, tree cover loss within the total known range is currently estimated at 2-11% over ten years (Global Forest Watch 2021, using Hansen et al. [2013] data and methods disclosed therein). The species is highly forest dependent, inhabiting the forest canopy, and therefore is suspected to be declining at a similar rate to forest cover loss.
This species occurs at the Njesi Plateau in northern Mozambique (Ryan and Spottiswoode 2003), and recent surveys have extended its range to Mount Chitagal and Mount Sanga, which form part of a ridgeline running northeast of the Njesi Plateau (Jones et al. 2020).
This species has been confirmed to inhabit the canopy of montane forest (Benson 1946, Ryan and Spottiswoode 2003), and has been observed at altitudes between 1,430 and 1,850 m (Jones et al. 2020). The species occurs in both riparian and taller evergreen forest patches, often in gaps or forest clearings, and dense vine tangles (Jones et al. 2020).
The Njesi Plateau is undisturbed by humans and is rarely ever visited (Ryan and Spottiswoode 2003). However, tree cover loss within the total known range is currently estimated at 2-11% over ten years (Global Forest Watch 2021, using Hansen et al. [2013] data and methods disclosed therein). The species is highly forest dependent, inhabiting the forest canopy, and therefore this habitat loss is likely to be the most serious threat. The species' limited elevational range also means that any changes in fire regime or climate may have a negative effect on this species in the future (J. McEntee in litt. 2016).
Conservation and Research Actions Proposed
Carry out additional surveys of nearby forested mountains in order to establish a more robust distribution (Ryan and Spottiswoode 2003, Jones et al. 2020). Assess the species' ecological requirements, especially at Njesi Plateau (Jones et al. 2020).
Text account compilers
Rotton, H.
Contributors
Ashpole, J, Bird, J., Borghesio, L., Cordeiro, N., Ekstrom, J., Evans, M., John, J., Jones, S., McEntee, J., Shutes, S., Spottiswoode, C., Starkey, M., Symes, A., Taylor, J., Westrip, J.R.S. & Wright, L
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Mozambique Forest-warbler Artisornis sousae. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/mozambique-forest-warbler-artisornis-sousae on 28/11/2024.
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 28/11/2024.