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

Justification of Red List category
This species is known from a limited number of sites within a small range. Habitat loss is proceeding slowly; however large-scale logging operations directly adjacent to the range suggest that pressure on forests within the range may increase rapidly in the near future. The species is therefore assessed as Vulnerable.

Population justification
The population size has not been quantified, but recent surveys suggest that the species is generally uncommon (F. Angulo Pratolongo in litt. 2012). In view of the very small range, the population is here tentatively placed in the band 1,000-2,499 mature individuals, but an accurate quantification is urgently required.

Trend justification
The population trend has not been estimated directly. The only threat known to the species is the loss and degradation of its habitat. Forest loss within the range has been very low over the past ten years (<2%; Global Forest Watch 2021, using Hansen et al. [2013] data and methods disclosed therein). The species is strictly dependent on forest, and as such a population decline of 1-9% over ten years is precautionarily suspected.
Deforestation however appears to be increasing rapidly in areas just below the altitudinal range of the species (Global Forest Watch 2021). Continuing encroachment and logging of forests near the two sites from which the species is known is likely to put increasing pressure on the habitat in the near future and therefore, the rate of population decline may increase. The rate of future decline is therefore placed in the bans 1-19% over the next ten years.

Grallaricula ochraceifrons is endemic to a small area on the eastern slope of the Andes in northern Peru, where it was discovered in 1976 (Graves et al. 1983, Hornbuckle 1999). It is only known from two sites in the Cordillera de Colán, Amazonas, and in Abra Patricia, San Martín.

It inhabits dense undergrowth of epiphyte-laden, humid cloud-forest (Graves et al. 1983), with records between 1,850 and 2,500 m (Ridgely and Tudor 1994, Hornbuckle 1999, D. Lane in litt. 2002, Schulenberg et al. 2007). Its ecology is very poorly known.

The remaining areas of suitable habitat are being cleared for timber, agriculture and to secure ownership of the land (Davies et al. 1997, J. Hornbuckle in litt. 1998). More recent surveys have confirmed that habitat destruction in the region continues unabated, albeit more extensively at lower altitudes (Garcia-Moreno et al. 1997). Abra Patricia is under pressure owing to road improvements, recent immigration and population growth in the area (Garcia-Moreno et al. 1997, J. Hornbuckle in litt. 1998, Hornbuckle 1999). Remote sensing data suggests that deforestation is increasing rapidly in lower elevations east of Abra Patricia and the Bosque de Protección Alto Mayo (Global Forest Watch 2021). Mining activity around Yambrasbamba contributes to habitat destruction both directly and by encouraging road-building in the vicinity (F. Angulo Pratolongo in litt. 2012).

Conservation Actions Underway
The species occurs in the 392 km² Cordillera de Colán National Sanctuary and near the Alto Mayo Protected Forest, but it is unclear whether the high-elevation forests are protected under this designation (Hornbuckle 1999). The newly-designated Abra Patricia-Alto Nieva Private Conservation Area aims to protect this species and Xenoglaux loweri.

Conservation Actions Proposed
Survey areas of suitable habitat on each of the isolated ridges in the region to locate additional populations and determine the distribution range. Produce an accurate quantification of the population size. Conduct basic biological research on the species and identify its habitat requirements. Monitor the population trend. Monitor the rate of habitat loss. Enforce the effective protection of high-altitude forest in the Cordillera de Colán National Sanctuary and Alto Mayo Protected Forest. Reduce pressure on forests in lower elevations.

10.5 cm. Small, predominantly brown antpitta. Ochraceous-buff forecrown and eye-ring are most obvious features of male (former lacking in female). Otherwise largely brown upperparts, and heavily black-streaked white underparts, with buff-tinged flanks. Similar spp. Peruvian Antpitta G. peruviana lacks ochraceous-buff forecrown and lores in male, and has buff lores in female. Ochre-breasted Antpitta G. flavirostris has an ochraceous loral spot, and has buff, rather than white, underparts which are scalloped rather than streaked. Voice Song similar to primary vocalisations of G. flavirostris and G. loricata: an emphatic, descending, sharply whistled "whéeu!", given repeatedly at intervals of 6–12 seconds for a period of up to several minutes.

Text account compilers
Hermes, C.

Contributors
Angulo Pratolongo, F., Hornbuckle, J., Isherwood, I., Khwaja, N., Lane, D., Pople, R., Sharpe, C.J., Stuart, T. & Symes, A.

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Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Ochre-fronted Antpitta Grallaricula ochraceifrons. Downloaded from https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/ochre-fronted-antpitta-grallaricula-ochraceifrons 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.