Data Zone
Justification of Red List category
This species has a large range, and hence does not approach the thresholds for Vulnerable under the range size criterion (Extent of Occurrence under 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). The population size has not been quantified, but it is not believed to approach the thresholds for Vulnerable under the population size criterion (under 10,000 mature individuals with a continuing decline estimated to be over 10% in ten years or three generations, or with a specified population structure). 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 (over 30% decline over ten years or three generations). For these reasons the species is evaluated as Least Concern.
Population justification
The global population size has not been quantified, but this species is described as 'uncommon' (Stotz et al. 1996). Slow declines are suspected to be occurring, as agricultural development and mining activities are likely to be causing habitat loss and degradation in parts of the species's range.
Trend justification
Slow declines are suspected to be occurring, as agricultural development and mining activities are likely to be causing habitat loss and degradation in parts of the species's range.
Embernagra longicauda is known from the Serra do Espinhaco of eastern Brazil (interior central Bahia and Minas Gerais) (Ridgely and Tudor 1989, Stattersfield et al. 1998). It was also more recently discovered in some isolated ranges in the surrounding region, including Serra da Mombuca (Minas Gerais) and Serra do Caparo (Espirito Santo) (Vasconcelos et al. 2003). It could be more widespread in surrounding ranges than previously thought (Vasconcelos et al. 2003). The species is locally common in Serra do Cipó National Park and in many places along the Espinhaço Range in Minas Gerais and Bahia (Freitas and Rodrigues 2012, G. H. S. Freitas in litt. 2012). However, in some areas, such as the southernmost population at Serra São José (Minas Gerais) and northernmost population at Morro do Chapéu (Bahia), the species is noted to be particularly difficult to find (G. H. S. Freitas in litt. 2012).
This species inhabits campo grasslands at 1,300-2,100 m, although little is known of its ecology. It occurs locally in arid montane scrub, dry savanna and agricultural land with scattered palms and ground bromeliads. It occurs at high densities in areas of mixed habitats (Freitas and Rodrigues 2012).
Much of its range was colonised by people when diamonds and gold were found in this region in the 19th century, and small operations persist. Quartz crystals and manganese are also mined. The advance of mining has been noted particularly in the rocky fields of the Espinhaço Range (both in Bahia and Minas Gerais), where most records of this species are located (L. M. Costa in litt. 2012). Increasing conversion of land for cattle ranching is presumably the principal current threat (WWF/IUCN 1997, Stattersfield et al. 1998), but deforestation may be permitting it to expand its range southward (Machado et al. 1998). The species is said to be absent in some modified areas, such as land under fire regimes for livestock grazing (Freitas and Rodrigues 2012), areas of mining activity and eucalyptus plantations (G. H. S. Freitas in litt. 2012). Its occupation of montane habitats may render it susceptible to the effects of future climate change (L. M. Costa in litt. 2012), but this requires investigation.
Conservation Actions Underway
The species occurs in some protected areas, for example Serra do Cipó National Park (Minas Gerais) (Freitas and Rodrigues 2012, L. M. Costa in litt. 2012), and has been the subject of recent research (e.g. Freitas and Rodrigues 2012).
Conservation Actions Proposed
Survey other montane ranges in surrounding parts of southern and eastern Brazil in order to determine the full extent of the range. Conduct ecological studies to determine habitat requirements and the extent of tolerance of agricultural habitat. Protect areas of suitable habitat.
Text account compilers
Rutherford, C.A.
Contributors
Costa , L. & Freitas, G.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Pale-throated Pampa-finch Embernagra longicauda. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/pale-throated-pampa-finch-embernagra-longicauda on 19/12/2024.
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 19/12/2024.