Data Zone
Justification of Red List category
This species is considered Near Threatened, as it is thought to be declining moderately rapidly (15-25% over three generations) in response to forest loss driven by agricultural expansion and large-scale plantations.
Population justification
The global population size has not been quantified, but the species is described as locally common in its range (Allen 2020). The species has a relatively large range, with large tracts of suitable habitat remaining, particularly on Mindanao, Panay and Samar/Leyte. Accordingly, while its global population size is set to unknown, it is not thought to number fewer than 10,000 mature individuals.
Trend justification
Direct population trend data are lacking for this species although it is considered to be highly forest-dependent (at least for nesting) notwithstanding the fact it has occasionally been observed feeding over degraded landscapes (Allen 2020). Over the past three generations (11 years: 2013-2024) forest cover within its range has reduced by c. 15% (Global Forest Watch 2024, based on data from Hansen et al. [2013] and methods therein), but this doesn't account for additional impacts of selective logging and degradation, with large tracts of forest in its range, particularly on Mindanao, now heavily modified (Grantham et al. 2020). Accordingly, forest cover trends alone are thought to represent the minimum value of likely population reduction over the same timeframe, which is suspected to be 15-25%. Annual rates of forest loss in the past five years have been similar to the years before then, such that rates of population reduction are thought likely to continue at the same rate over the next three generations, unless conservation action adequately safeguards the lowland forests upon which this species depends.
Mearnsia picina is endemic to the Philippines where it has been recorded from Mindanao, the East Visayas, Central Visayas, West Visayas, and Tawi Tawi (Collar et al. 1999, Allen 2020, eBird 2024).
This species is apparently restricted to lowland forest (< c.1,000 m), although little is known of its breeding habits or life history. It feeds high above forest, either alone or in small groups, occasionally straying to feeding above degraded landscapes (Allen 2020), but always in some proximity to forests which it presumably needs to breed.
The main threats to this species are those associated with forest loss, including agricultural expansion, logging, plantations (particularly rubber) and locally mining. Combined, these have resulted in moderately rapid rates of forest cover loss, equivalent to c. 15% over the past three generations (Global Forest Watch 2024, based on data from Hansen et al. [2013] and methods therein) and additive impacts caused by selective logging and other forms of forest modification, which has left lowland Philippines forests heavily degraded (Grantham et al. 2020).
Conservation Actions Underway
No targeted conservation actions are known for this species, but it occurs in numerous protected areas.
Conservation Actions Proposed
Conduct ecological studies to improve understanding of this species' breeding ecology and habitat requirements. Conduct surveys across its range to estimate population size and locate important breeding sites. Once identified, monitor populations at breeding sites in order to determine population trends. Protect areas of suitable habitat.
Text account compilers
Berryman, A.
Contributors
Hutchinson, R., Taylor, J., Gilroy, J., Westrip, J.R.S. & Benstead, P.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Philippine Spinetail Mearnsia picina. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/philippine-spinetail-mearnsia-picina on 23/12/2024.
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 23/12/2024.