Data Zone
Justification of Red List category
This species is categorised as Near Threatened because it is restricted to closed-canopy forest in a region where deforestation is occurring at a rapid rate, implying that it is experiencing on-going population declines that are at least moderately rapid. It is not considered more threatened because it shows some tolerance of habitat degradation and ranges into submontane areas where forest is typically more secure.
Population justification
The global population size has not been quantified, but the species is described as scarce to fairly common over much of its large Sundaic range (Wells 2007, Mann 2008, Eaton et al. 2016). It is therefore not considered likely to approach population size thresholds (<10,000 mature individuals) for listing as threatened.
Trend justification
Estimations on rates of population trend in this species are lacking. However, given its forest dependence, an ongoing rapid decline is suspected on the basis of extensive lowland forest loss throughout the Greater Sundas. Global Forest Watch (2022), using data from Hansen et al. (2013) and methods disclosed therein, indicates that forest loss of 24–28% has occurred over the past three generations, and these rates are not anticipated to cease or slow in the future. The species is therefore suspected to being undergoing a decline near-equal to that of forest loss: population declines of 20–29% are therefore suspected to have occurred over the past three generations, and are predicted to continue in the future.
Eupetes macrocerus is restricted to the Sundaic lowlands, from peninsular Thailand, Sabah, Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia, Kalimantan (including Natuna Islands) and Sumatra, Indonesia, and Brunei. It is scarce to fairly common throughout this range, and probably under-recorded as a result of its marked shyness.
This species is found in tall lowland broadleaved forest and selectively logged forest with a closed canopy, layered structure and a well-vegetated floor. Also found in swamp and heath-forest. It is most abundant in lowlands, with a few records from the base of lower montane forest. Records are from up to 1,060 m in Peninsular Malaysia (Wells 2007) and 900 m on Sumatra and Borneo (Mann 2008, Eaton et al. 2016).
Rates of forest loss in the Sundaic lowlands have been extremely rapid, owing partly to the escalation of illegal logging and land conversion, with deliberate targeting of all remaining stands of valuable timber including those inside protected areas (Global Forest Watch 2022, Hansen et al. 2013). Forest fires have previously had a damaging effect (particularly in 1997-1998) and may do so again in the future. The magnitude of these threats may be allayed partially by this species' tolerance of hill forest, which is under less pressure from logging and agricultural conversion.
Conservation Actions Underway
No targeted conservation actions are known for this species,. although it occurs in a number of protected areas.
Conservation Actions Proposed
Conduct repeated surveys in areas within and surrounding its range to determine the full extent of distribution and measure rates of population decline or range contraction. Conduct ecological studies to improve understanding of its precise habitat requirements, tolerance of secondary habitats and response to fragmentation. Campaign for the protection of remaining tracts of lowland broadleaved forest throughout the Sundaic region. Continue to monitor rates of forest loss using remote sensing data.
Text account compilers
Gilroy, J., Khwaja, N., Taylor, J., Benstead, P., Berryman, A.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Rail-babbler Eupetes macrocerus. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/rail-babbler-eupetes-macrocerus 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.