Data Zone
Justification of Red List category
This species has a narrow distribution range and the population is suspected to be small. Even though there is not much information on the population trend, it is feared that the population is in slow decline owing to the loss and degradation of mature forests within the range. The species is therefore listed as Near Threatened.
Population justification
The global population size has not been quantified, but this species is described as 'rare' (Stotz et al. 1996). Based on this rarity and its narrow altitudinal range, it is suspected that the population numbers less than 10,000 mature individuals and is thus here tentatively placed in the band 2,500-9,999 mature individuals. An accurate quantification of the population is however urgently required.
Trend justification
While a direct quantification of the population trend is lacking, the species is feared to be in slow decline as a consequence of habitat loss. Within the range, 2% of tree cover has been lost over the past ten years (Global Forest Watch 2022, using Hansen et al. [2013] data and methods disclosed therein). Even though the species is restricted to mature forests, population declines are therefore not thought to exceed 10% over ten years.
Grallaricula peruviana occurs on the east slope of the Andes in Ecuador and north Peru. It has been recorded from few sites in Napo, Morona-Santiago and Zamora-Chinchipe in Ecuador south to Piura and Cajamarca in northern Peru (Ridgely and Tudor 1994, Greeney et al. 2004). The species is however easily overlooked and thus its distribution is assumed to be continuous (Greeney 2020).
The species' ecology and habitat requirements are not well known. It has been suggested that it inhabits intact forest close to water, avoiding disturbed areas and bamboo stands, where it moves by hopping through the understory and low vegetation layer (Greeney 2020). It is insectivorous; observations suggest that nestlings are fed mainly aquatic insects including damselflies (Greeney 2020). The only known nests were built in undisturbed forests near small streams (Greeney 2020).
The only threat known to this species is the loss and degradation of its forested habitat for conversion to agriculture and cattle pasture, mining operations and logging (Dinerstein et al. 1995).
Conservation Actions Underway
The species is listed as Vulnerable at the national level in Ecuador (Freile et al. 2019) and as Near Threatened in Peru (SERFOR 2018). It occurs in Podocarpus National Park (Freile et al. 2010).
Conservation Actions Proposed
Conduct surveys of suitable habitats within and surrounding the known range, using mist nests and tape recordings if possible, to determine its true distribution and abundance. Investigate behaviour and ecological requirements. Assess the impact of threats. Monitor the population trend. Ensure that remaining areas of suitable habitat receive adequate protection.
Text account compilers
Hermes, C.
Contributors
Butchart, S., Gilroy, J. & Sharpe, C.J.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Peruvian Antpitta Grallaricula peruviana. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/peruvian-antpitta-grallaricula-peruviana 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.