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

Justification of Red List category
Recent surveys from a limited part of the species's range suggest that it may have a very small population, split into multiple subpopulations; the largest of which is tentatively suspected to contain >1,000 mature individuals. Therefore, this species is listed as Near Threatened, but further evidence to show smaller population sizes could warrant uplisting to a higher threat category. 

Population justification
Gottshalck and Pomeroy (2010) estimated a minimum of 36-45 males in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Assuming that only a proportion of its mapped range is occupied by the species, the overall population size is likely to be small and is placed here in the range 2,500-9,999 mature individuals. It is tentatively assessed that the largest subpopulation contains >1,000 mature individuals. However, further study could reveal smaller population sizes.

Trend justification
The population is considered to be in decline owing to ongoing habitat destruction and fragmentation (del Hoyo et al. 2005).

Geokichla oberlaenderi has been recorded in the Ituri Forest, where it is uncommon (Plumptre and Mutungire 1996); the Semliki Valley, and the Itombwe Mts in Democratic Republic of Congo, as well as in the Semliki (Bwamba) and Bwindi (Impenetrable) forests in Uganda. It has possibly now been extirpated from parts of Ituri and Semliki, with the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park being the only area in Uganda where the species is known to remain extant (Gottschalk and Pomeroy 2010; Gottschalk undated).

It is found in lowland and transitional riparian forest at altitudes of 700-2,000 m where it feeds on insects and slugs on the forest floor (Urban et al. 1997, Stattersfield et al. 1998, del Hoyo et al. 2005, Gottschalk and Pomeroy 2010, Gottschalk undated). At Ituri, the species is apparently restricted to mono-dominant forest, not being recorded from mixed-species or secondary forest (Plumptre and Mutungire 1996). It probably breeds during the rainy season and at the end of the dry season (del Hoyo et al. 2005). A concealed, open-cup nest is constructed from dry grasses, strips of vegetation, and plant fibres (Gottschalk and Ampeire 2008). The species is thought to be mostly sedentary, possibly with local movements (del Hoyo et al. 2005).

The species is sensitive to forest alteration (degradation) and deforestation (Plumptre and Mutungire 1996), which are extensive and ongoing within its range, mainly for cultivation, pasture and timber (Stattersfield et al. 1998). These processes are therefore the main threat, especially at Semliki and Itombwe (Wilson and Catsis 1990, Butynski and Kalina 1993).

Conservation Actions Underway
No targeted conservation action is known for this species, but there are protected areas within its range (Gottschalk undated).

Conservation Actions Proposed
Carry out surveys to obtain a total population estimate. Monitor population trends through regular surveys. Monitor habitat loss and degradation. Protect suitable habitat for the species.

Text account compilers
Robertson, P., Evans, M., Taylor, J., O'Brien, A., Westrip, J., Khwaja, N.

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Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Oberländer's Ground-thrush Geokichla oberlaenderi. Downloaded from https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/oberlanders-ground-thrush-geokichla-oberlaenderi 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.