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

Justification of Red List category
This species has a small global range, and is likely to be declining as a result of habitat loss. However, it is able to persist in some degraded habitats, suggesting that it may not be at imminent risk, but the situation requires careful monitoring. It is currently considered Near Threatened.

Population justification
The global population size of this species has not been estimated, but it is evidently locally quite common (Praveen J and Nameer 2021, eBird 2023).

Trend justification
Ongoing declines in this species are suspected to be occurring as a result of habitat loss and degradation occurring in parts of the range (Praveen J. in litt. 2010), especially at lower elevations. In the three generations to 2023 (10.8 years; 2012-2023), approximately 5% of forest cover was lost in this species' range (Global Forest Watch 2023, based on data from Hansen et al. [2013] and methods disclosed therein). This species is evidently tolerant of some forest degradation such that it's difficult to translate these data into related rates of population decline; however, at least some of it relates to larger-scale clearance from which the species is almost certainly absent. Accordingly, the species is suspected of declining at an ongoing rate of 1-9% over three generations.

Montecincla fairbanki is found only found in the Western Ghats, India, south of the Palakkad gap until the Shenogottah (=Achenkovil) gap (see Praveen J and Nameer 2012, SoIB 2023). 

It inhabits broadleaf forest, secondary forest, tea and cardamom plantations and scrub; range apparently coincides with occurrence of wild raspberry (Rubus). Elevational limits 800-2,135 m.

An increasing human population has led to growing illegal encroachment into Western Ghat forests. Livestock grazing, together with the harvesting of fuelwood and huge quantities of forest products such as bamboo and canes, are likely to have a negative effect on this species, although it is evidently tolerant of some degradation. Having a montane distribution that is close to the maximum altitude within its range, this species is potentially susceptible to climate change (Praveen J. in litt. 2010).

Conservation Actions Underway
None is known.

Conservation Actions Proposed
Conduct ecological studies to determine the precise habitat requirements of this species, as well as its response to disturbance and fragmentation. Regularly monitor populations at selected sites and develop a database of information for formulating conservation management strategies for different areas. Protect areas of suitable habitat.

Text account compilers
Berryman, A.

Contributors
Praveen, J.

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Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Palani Chilappan Montecincla fairbanki. Downloaded from https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/palani-chilappan-montecincla-fairbanki 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.