• Summary
• Text account
• Data table and detailed info
• Distribution map
• Reference and further resources

Justification of Red List category

This species has a moderately large range, and hence does not approach the thresholds for Vulnerable under the range size criterion (Extent of Occurrence <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 trend appears to be decreasing, although the rate of decline does not approach the thresholds for Vulnerable under the population trend criterion (>30% decline over ten years or three generations). The population size has not been quantified, but it is not believed to approach the thresholds for Vulnerable under the population size criterion (<10,000 mature individuals with a continuing decline estimated to be >10% in ten years or three generations, or with a specified population structure). For these reasons the species is evaluated as Least Concern.

Population justification
The global population size has not been quantified, and this species is described as very rare to rare in Ecuador, and rare, poorly known in Peru.

Trend justification
The species is suspected to be undergoing a slow population decline owed to habitat loss. Recent deforestation analysis and remote sensing data shows that tree cover loss within the species range amounts to c. 10% over ten years (Global Forest Watch 2021, using Hansen et al. [2013] data and methods disclosed therein). Therefore, the species is suspected to undergo a decline of 10-15% over ten years.

Heliodoxa gularis occurs in the east Andean foothills of south-west Colombia (Cauca and Putumayo) and adjacent north-central Ecuador (west Sucumbíos and west Napo), with records from north Peru (Loreto, Amazonas and San Martín) (Davis 1986, Hilty and Brown 1986, L. Dávalos in litt. 1999, Donegan and Salaman 1999, LSUMZ specimens per J. P. O'Neill in litt. 2000, Ridgely and Greenfield 2001, Schulenberg et al. 2007). Gómez-Bernal et al. (2016) recorded the species further in the Piedmont regions, as well as the basin of the Caquetá river in Colombia; five individuals were captured in La Quisayá and one individual in Tendidos, Belén de Los Andaquíes. Expansion of the species north of the Caquetá River suggests an increase in altitudinal distribution of the species (Gómez-Bernal et al. 2016). However, there is some evidence that the species may be in decline across the Putumayo and Cauca regions generally, given that multiple surveys since 2016 have not found the species, albeit it is unknown if this is due to the genuine elusiveness of the species (O. Janni in litt. 2022).

It inhabits humid montane forest and forest edge at 250-1,050 m on outlying ridges (DMNH specimens, Fitzpatrick and Willard 1982, Parker et al. 1996, Ridgely and Greenfield 2001, Schulenberg et al. 2007). Gómez-Bernal et al. (2016) however also found records of the species at 960-1,320 m in Tendidos, Belén de Los Andaquíes. Expansion of the species north of the Caquetá River suggests an increase in altitudinal distribution of the species (Gómez-Bernal et al. 2016). Little is know about its food plants, but the species is thought to utilise flowers of Psittacanthus and Loranthaceae plants, as well as consuming small insects (Züchner et al. 2020). 

Forests in its altitudinal range are considered to be undergoing intense pressure from clearance for agriculture and cattle pasture, low-intensity farming, tea and coffee growing, mining operations and logging (Dinerstein et al. 1995), although in north Peru, forests above 500 m were considered largely intact (J. P. O'Neill in litt. 2000). Recent deforestation analysis shows that tree cover loss has amounted to c.10% over the past 10 years (Global Forest Watch 2021, using Hansen et al. [2013] data and methods disclosed therein). The species may be subjected to trade, albeit the exact scale of trade or trapping is currently unknown.

Conservation Actions Underway
CITES Appendix II. The species is present in the Ecuador-Peru East Andes EBA, as well as the Cueva de los Guácharos, Alto Fragua Indi-Wasi, and Serranía de los Churumbelos National Parks in Colombia (Züchner et al. 2020). 

Conservation Actions Proposed
Attempt to obtain an accurate estimate of its population size and trends. Search for the species in potentially suitable habitat at new sites. Study its ecological requirements and its ability to persist in degraded and fragmented habitats. Quantify the extent of habitat losses. Research the exact scale of trade and trapping on the population. Monitor populations at strongholds.
Effectively protect and manage core areas of remaining habitat.

Text account compilers
Fernando, E.

Contributors
Benstead, P., Capper, D., Dávalos, L., Isherwood, I., Janni, O., O'Neill, J., Sharpe, C.J., Stuart, T. & Symes, A.

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Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Pink-throated Brilliant Heliodoxa gularis. Downloaded from https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/pink-throated-brilliant-heliodoxa-gularis on 16/12/2024.
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 16/12/2024.