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

Justification of Red List category
This species is classified as Vulnerable because it has a small population which is continuing to decline owing to ongoing habitat loss and degradation, primarily through overgrazing.

Population justification
The total population has been estimated at 9,400 individuals, roughly equivalent to 6,300 mature individuals.

Trend justification
The population is suspected to be declining in line with the loss and degradation of the species's habitat. Between Southern African Bird Atlas Projects it has seen a possible 52% decrease in EOO, although this may be possibly in part due to limited field surveys and it inhabiting sparsely populated areas (Peacock 2015); and there is some evidence to suggest it may have even increased its range (Lee et al. 2017). The decline has been conservatively placed in the range of 20-29% over the past ten years, but this may require alteration with further information.

Calendulauda burra is confined to the Northern Cape Province, South Africa, where it occurs from east of Steinkopf, east to Aggenys and south to the Kliprand area. From there, it occurs south to Klein Soutpan, where it is found on sand-dunes from east of Verneukpan and Fortuinkolksepan south and east to Brandvlei and isolated dunes in the Brospan area. Two records from south Namibia are regarded as questionable. It mostly follows the distribution of red sand-dunes south of the Orange river, with the majority of the population found in the fossil Koa river valley. Only c.5% of its range contains suitable habitat, and most (75%) has been overgrazed and degraded, leaving an area of occupancy of c.1,000 km². There is evidence for local population declines, and between Southern African Bird Atlas Projects this species has seen a possible 52% decrease in EOO (possibly in part due to limited field surveys and it inhabiting sparsely populated areas) (Peacock 2015).

It occurs on dune ridges and eroded dunes, alluvial plains, and even clay-pans with pebbles. It favours areas where large-seeded tussock-grasses are dominant. It requires territories in multi-layered vegetation, with annual large-seeded grasses for food, perennial grasses with plumed awns for nest material and nest-sites, and taller shrubs and trees to provide perches. It feeds on invertebrates, seeds and fruit.

The species has lost 75% of its habitat in the past 100 years. Domestic livestock, chiefly sheep, have caused loss and fragmentation of sensitive dune vegetation. Extensive ranching may have resulted in trampling and grazing which has changed vegetation structure and reduced plant cover, causing erosion and shifting of dunes. All remaining suitable habitat is under continuing grazing pressure from domestic livestock. Its apparent reliance on dune vegetation may increase its risk from climate change, as C3 shrubs may start to replace C4 grasses (P. Donald and P. Alstrom in litt. 2020). 

Conservation Actions Underway
Important populations are found in private reserves at Black Mountain Mine Nature Reserve (700-900 pairs, including the adjacent Haramoep farm), Mattheus-Gat Conservation Area (200-300 pairs) and Bitterputs Conservation Area (150-250 pairs). None of these areas are protected by the state but all have been recently identified as Important Bird Areas (IBAs) (Barnes 1998). It is listed as Vulnerable in the 2015 Eskom Red Data Book of Birds of Southern Africa (Peacock 2015).

Conservation Actions Proposed
Conduct surveys to estimate the population size. Monitor population trends. Monitor grazing pressure, especially in the Koa river valley. Establish managed reserves. Offer incentives to private landowners with important dunes in order to limit grazing. Re-establish suitable grass and forb communities to increase populations in some areas. Ensure conservation plans cover the three main habitat zones - the north-western dunes, the south-central alluvial plains and the eastern dunes.

19 cm. Large, chunky lark. Heavily streaked breast, white eye-stripe and dark ear-coverts. Heavy bill. Similar spp. Differs from Dune Lark C. erythrochlamys and Barlow's Lark C. barlowi by rich rufous upperparts and from Karoo Lark C. albescens by heavier streaking, which does not extend onto the flanks, and larger bill.

Text account compilers
Clark, J.

Contributors
Alstrom, P., Borrow, N., Donald, P., Ekstrom, J., Pilgrim, J., Shutes, S., Symes, A., Taylor, J. & Westrip, J.R.S.

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Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Red Lark Calendulauda burra. Downloaded from https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/red-lark-calendulauda-burra 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.