Data Zone
Justification of Red List category
This species has a large range, and hence does not approach the thresholds for Vulnerable under the range size criterion (Extent of Occurrence under 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 size has not been quantified, but it is not believed to approach the thresholds for Vulnerable under the population size criterion (under 10,000 mature individuals with a continuing decline estimated to be over 10% in ten years or three generations, or with a specified population structure). The population trend appears to be stable, and hence the species does not approach the thresholds for Vulnerable under the population trend criterion (over 30% decline over ten years or three generations). For these reasons the species is evaluated as Least Concern.
Population justification
The global population size has not been quantified, but the species is described as frequent in at least parts of its range (Borrow and Demey 2001) The population is suspected to be stable in the absence of evidence for any declines or substantial threats.
Trend justification
The population is suspected to be stable in the absence of evidence for any declines or substantial threats.
This species is endemic to the Jos Plateau and its north and eastward extensions, in northern Nigeria (Payne 1998). There is a possible recent sighting of the species in the Mandara Mountains in north-east Nigeria near the Cameroon border, and northern Nigerian sightings of L. rubricata from Ririwai and Aliya may also refer to this species (Payne 1998). Another known site (Panshanu) is within the Magama Forest Reserve, where the vegetation is apparently little changed since 1968 (Payne 1998).
The species is found in bushy and grassy rocky outcrops on the plateau and wooded, grassy inselbergs to the north and east, and is apparently restricted to areas above 900 m. It probably feeds on grass seeds (Clement et al. 1993, Payne 1998). It is parasitised by the Jos Plateau Indigobird Vidua maryae which is found within its range and mimics its song (Payne 1998).
One site (Taboru) is intensely grazed and the remaining wooded vegetation is rapidly being removed for fences and firewood (Payne 1998), although there are plans to establish a conservation programme here (P. Hall in litt. 1999). However, habitat on the Jos Plateau is extensive and not at risk (P. Hall in litt. 1999).
Text account compilers
Rutherford, C.A.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Rock Firefinch Lagonosticta sanguinodorsalis. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/rock-firefinch-lagonosticta-sanguinodorsalis on 26/12/2024.
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 26/12/2024.