Data Zone
Justification of Red List category
This species has a moderately small population. It is restricted to a very small range, in which forest loss is currently proceeding at a slow rate. The species appears tolerant of some habitat degradation and disturbance, and as such population declines are likely only very slow. The species is therefore assessed as Near Threatened.
Population justification
The population size has not been quantified. Tentatively assuming that the species occurs at the same density as a congener (G. varia: 3 mature individuals/km2; Santini et al. 2018) and further assuming that 50% of forested habitat within the range is occupied to account for its apparent rarity (i.e. 550 km2), the population may number 1,650 mature individuals. To account for uncertainty, it is here placed in the band 1,000-2,499 mature individuals, but an exact population estimate is urgently required.
Trend justification
The population is suspected to be declining due to the ongoing threats in the area, based on degradation, loss and fragmentation of habitat in the Perijá Mountains (Hernández-Montilla and Portillo-Quintero 2010, C. J. Sharpe in litt. 2016). Within the range, tree cover is lost at a rate of up to 3% over three generations (13 years; Global Forest Watch 2022, using Hansen et al. [2013] data and methods disclosed therein). The species is thought to tolerate some habitat degradation and disturbance (Greeney 2021) and therefore, population declines are not thought to exceed 10% over three generations.
The species occurs in the Sierra de Perijá in Colombia and Venezuela.
The species is found in the understory and forest floor of humid montane forests, along forest borders and in degraded and disturbed areas adjacent to forest (Greeney 2021). Its ecology is largely unknown.
The only threat known to this species is the loss and fragmentation of its forested habitat. In the Sierra de Perijá, forests in elevations below 2,000 m are under threat from a range of processes, including colonisation, ranching and the cultivation of narcotics, which are aided by the roads approaching the Colombian side (C. J. Sharpe in litt.1997, 2000; A. Viloria per J. Fjeldså in litt. 1998). Only patches of montane forest remain on the steepest slopes of the Cerro Pintado, and forest is still being lost to burning and poppy cultivation, while access to the area is difficult due to security issues (R. Strewe in litt. 2003). Currently, habitat loss appears to be largely restricted to areas below the altitudinal range of the species (Greeney 2021, Global Forest Watch 2022), though the risk of human encroachment into higher altitudes persists.
Conservation Actions Underway
The species occurs in the Chamicero de Perijá Bird Reserve and may also occur in the Iroka and Sokorpa reserves, though its presence has not been confirmed (Greeney 2021).
Conservation Actions Proposed
Survey to determine the distribution range and to produce a precise estimate of the population size. Investigate the species' population structure and ecological requirements. Assess threats to the species and investigate its tolerance of degraded and disturbed habitats. Monitor the population trend. Protect suitable habitat within the range.
Text account compilers
Hermes, C.
Contributors
Butchart, S., Derhé, M., Ekstrom, J., Fjeldså, J., Salaman, P., Sharpe, C J, Strewe, R., Viloria, A. & Westrip, J.R.S.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Perija Antpitta Grallaria saltuensis. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/perija-antpitta-grallaria-saltuensis on 21/12/2024.
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 21/12/2024.