• Summary
• Text account
• Data table and detailed info
• Distribution map
• Reference and further resources

Justification of Red List category
This species qualifies as Critically Endangered because it is likely to have an extremely small population with all individuals found in one very small area of primary forest which, although it is not threatened, remains effectively unprotected and might be vulnerable to alteration in the future. Introduced predators could also potentially be impacting the population. 

Population justification
The species is assumed to have a tiny population due to a very limited range and habitat requirements, even though it can be very frequent at a few locations, also owing to being very vocal and easily heard at great distances (de Lima et al. 2017; Lewis et al. 2018). It is possible that its population numbers more than 250 mature individuals, but it is tentatively placed in the range of  50-249 mature individuals.

Trend justification
The population is considered to be declining as a result of ongoing habitat degradation, and possibly also the impacts of introduced predators.

Lanius newtoni is endemic to the island of São Tomé, São Tomé and Príncipe, where it is believed to be confined to an area of suitable habitat between 117 km² (de Lima et al. 2017) and 153 km² (Soares et al. 2020). Previously known only from records in 1888 and 1928, it was rediscovered in 1990, with the observation of a single bird near the source of the rio Xufexufe, in the south-west of the island (Atkinson et al. 1991). A number of recent sightings have expanded its known range, suggesting it is less restricted than previously thought (de Lima et al. 2017). It relies on native forest, occurring mostly along ridges at intermediate altitudes in the centre of the island, where the canopy cover is less dense (de Lima et al. 2017; Lewis et al. 2018; Soares et al. 2020). It can be locally abundant in the areas with the correct habitat requirements (de Lima et al. 2017; Lewis et al. 2018). It is solitary, and probably territorial (Jones and Tye 2006; Lewis et al. 2018). Anecdotal reports suggest that it has declined in some areas as human disturbance increased (Olmos and Turshak 2010), but these claims need substantiating.

Almost all records are from native forest between 200 and 1,100 m (de Lima et al. 2017; Soares et al. 2020). There are a few records in secondary forest, and as low as 65 m at Monte Rosa and as high as 1,500 m at Estação Sousa (de Lima et al. 2017). The species occurs in sites with little or no undergrowth, but with bare ground and rocks (Atkinson et al. 1991; Christy and Clarke 1998). Many records are from ridgetops (Scollaert and Willem 2001) and along watercourses, so the species may have a linear or patchy distribution (Olmos and Turshak 2007, 2010; Lewis et al. 2018). Its apparent association with watercourses may indicate a preference for open areas in forest, such as gullies and riversides (Olmos and Turshak 2010). The breeding season is unknown but may be during the rainy season, as with most São Tomé forest bird species (Jones and Tye 2006; Lewis et al. 2018).

Historically, large areas of lowland and mid-altitude forest were cleared for cocoa and coffee plantations. Subsequently abandoned, these have created large extents of secondary forest (Oyono et al. 2014). This is almost unsuitable for this species (de Lima et al. 2017). Timber extraction, and agricultural expansion and intensification are threatening the forest (Oyono et al. 2014). Other threats to the forest include development resulting from the ongoing increasing population and the offshore oil exploitation (Oyono et al. 2014). Introduced Black Rat Rattus rattus, Mona Monkey Cercopithecus mona, African Civet Civettictis civetta and feral Cats Felis catus are potential predators (Dutton 1994). 

Conservation actions

Conservation and Research Actions Underway
This species is considered protected by law 11/1999, and most of its range falls within the São Tomé Obo Natural Park. Hunting this species is forbidden. There are several ongoing projects supporting forest conservation, eg the ECOFAC6 intiative 2018-2022. 
In 2008, a training programme with NGOs Associação de Biólogos Saotomenses (ABS) and Monte Pico was initiated to involve locals in the study and conservation of São Toméan species, and this has since been achieved (Associação de Biólogos Saotomenses in litt. 2010); and as part of the BirdLife International Preventing Extinctions Programme, the Species Guardian has begun training local community members in the implementation of site-based conservation and has been conducting an awareness-raising campaign (BirdLife International 2008). During an international workshop held in February 2008 to promote ecotourism in São Tomé and Príncipe, birdwatching was listed as an activity that should be encouraged. Ribeira Peixe was identified as a suitable site for a pilot project (Olmos and Turshak 2010). In July 2009, the Species Guardian promoted a short course for the training of local people as bird guides at Ribeira Peixe. Efforts are on-going to promote the conservation of the area (Olmos and Turshak 2010). The Government are developing an open access database to collate all biodiversity data for the island. which will be used to inform land-use decisions (Ward-Francis et al. 2015). A workshop was held in January 2015, which included participants from the Government, to discuss progress towards an International Species Action Plan for the species (Ward-Francis et al. 2015). Research is underway identifying the distribution and habitat requirements for this and other São Toméan species (de Lima et al. 2017).

Conservation and Research Actions Proposed
Research its ecological requirements, particularly concerning breeding, feeding and detailed habitat requirements. Establish threats, population size and trends. Ensure implementation of existing environmental laws and policies, and raise awareness. Ensure that any proposed hydroelectric dam developments are not within Obo Natural Park, and incorporate species conservation measures in the Park management plan while developing capacity for park management (Ward-Francis et al. 2015).

Identification

20-21 cm. Long-tailed forest shrike. Black above with white scapular flash, which may be tinged yellow. Pale yellow chin, breast, belly, flanks, vent and undertail-coverts. Graduated tail with all black central tail feathers and increasing amount of white on outer web from inner to outer tail feathers. Young birds show a vermiculated buff and black plumage (Leventis and Olmos 2009). Voice Clear whistled tiuh tiuh often repeated and metallic tsink tsink audible over a long distance.

Acknowledgements

Text account compilers
Clark, J.

Contributors
Ashpole, J, Bird, J., Calvert, R., Deffontaines, J., Ekstrom, J., Gascoigne, A., Maia, H., Olmos, F., Peet, N., Shutes, S., Starkey, M., Symes, A., Tavares, J., Taylor, J., Westrip, J.R.S., Wright, L, d'Assis Lima, S. & de Lima, R.F.

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Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Newton's Fiscal Lanius newtoni. Downloaded from https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/newtons-fiscal-lanius-newtoni on 22/12/2024.
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 22/12/2024.