Data Zone
Justification of Red List category
This species has a very large range, and hence 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). Despite the fact that the population trend appears to be decreasing, the decline is not believed to be sufficiently rapid to approach the thresholds for Vulnerable under the population trend criterion (>30% decline over ten years or three generations). The population size may be moderately small to large, 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). For these reasons the species is evaluated as Least Concern.
Population justification
The global population is estimated to number fewer than 50,000 mature individuals (Pronatura 2012, Partners in Flight 2019); thus it is here placed in the band 20,000-49,999 mature individuals.
Trend justification
The species is undergoing a moderate decline (Pronatura 2012, Partners in Flight 2019).
Aimophila notosticta is locally fairly common in the interior valleys of Oaxaca and possibly also adjacent Puebla, Mexico.
This species inhabits arid to semi-arid oak-thorn scrub, brushy ravines and adjacent overgrown grassy areas at elevations of 1,600-1,900 m (Byers et al. 1995, Howell and Webb 1995).
Significant tracts of dry forest and arid scrub remain, but are under pressure from cutting of vegetation for timber and firewood, as well as from clearance for cattle-ranching. However, most of the species's habitat is situated on very steep slopes, thus limiting the impact of these threats (M. Grosselet in litt. 2010).
Conservation Actions Underway
No targeted conservation actions are known for this species.
Conservation Actions Proposed
Carry out surveys to assess the population size. Monitor population trends through regular surveys. Monitor rates of habitat loss and degradation within the species's range. Protect suitable habitat.
Text account compilers
Hermes, C.
Contributors
Grosselet, M., Taylor, J., Isherwood, I., Benstead, P. & O'Brien, A.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Oaxaca Sparrow Aimophila notosticta. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/oaxaca-sparrow-aimophila-notosticta on 23/11/2024.
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 23/11/2024.