Data Zone
Justification of Red List category
This species occurs in the most remote and inaccessible areas of montane forest on the island of Palawan. Its population size has not been quantified, but it is described as common and, in the absence of any acting threats, is presumed to be stable. It is therefore listed as Least Concern.
Population justification
The global population size has not been quantified, but the species is described as common (del Hoyo et al. 2007, Allen 2020). It occurs on Mt Victoria, Mt Mataling, Mt Borangbato, Mt Mantalingajan (at the peak) and at Magtaguimbong which may function as individual subpopulations; however, the species is monotypic and individuals may therefore occasionally disperse between mountains but this requires genetic confirmation.
Trend justification
Forest cover loss in this species's range is minimal (1.0-1.5% over ten years; Global Forest Watch 2021, using Hansen et al. [2013] data and methods disclosed therein) and is not believed to be occurring at a rate greater than that of natural variation. In the absence of any additional threats, the population is therefore suspected to be stable.
Zosterornis hypogrammicus is endemic to Palawan, Philippines, where it is known from Mt Victoria, Mt Mataling, Mt Borangbato, Mt Mantalingajan (at the peak) and at Magtaguimbong, although it is expected to occur in other areas of suitable habitat within its elevational range (R. Hutchinson in litt. 2013). Various reports have suggested that it remains common within its limited distribution.
This species occurs in primary montane forest above 1,000 m in the south of the island. It is described as locally common (Allen 2020) at appropriate elevations.
The montane habitats occupied by this species appear to remain relatively secure and are unlikely to be at imminent threat from logging, conversion and development (Collar et al. 1999, R. Hutchinson in litt. 2013). Although rates of deforestation in general are increasing on Palawan, these are yet to take hold in the species' elevation range, with c.2% forest loss between 2001 and 2020 (Global Forest Watch 2021, using Hansen et al. [2013] data and methods disclosed therein), a value suspected to be accounted for by natural variation. As a montane species confined to the highest available elevations, it may be impacted by climate change.
Conservation Actions Underway
No targeted conservation actions are known for this species; however, its habitat is relatively secure from threats at present.
Conservation Actions Proposed
Survey suitable areas to determine the full extent of the species' range. Monitor populations at known sites. Monitor rates of habitat conversion within the altitudinal limits of the species. Effectively protect significant areas of suitable forest at key sites, in both strictly protected areas and community-led multiple use areas.
Text account compilers
Berryman, A.
Contributors
Hutchinson, R. & Taylor, J.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Palawan Striped Babbler Zosterornis hypogrammicus. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/palawan-striped-babbler-zosterornis-hypogrammicus 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.