Data Zone
Justification of Red List category
This species is listed as Near Threatened as it occurs over a relatively small range, where its habitat is threatened by deforestation and agricultural expansion and burning, causing a slow decline of its small population.
Population justification
The global population size has not been quantified directly. Based on the population density of a congener (D. squamata: 5.5 individuals/km2; Santini et al. 2018) and assuming that the species occupies up to 50% of forested habitat within the range (5,400 km2; Global Forest Watch 2021), the population may number c. 14,000 individuals. This roughly equates to 9,000 mature individuals.
The population structure has not been assessed, but due to the continuity of available habitat it is tentatively assumed that the species functions as one subpopulation.
Trend justification
This population is thought to be in decline as a result of habitat clearance within its range. Since 2015, c. 3% of tree cover has been lost within the range (Global Forest Watch 2021). Assuming that forest loss is continuing at the same rate into the future, this equates to a rate of habitat loss of 5% over ten years. The species is restricted to the understorey and midstorey of dense forests (del Hoyo et al. 2020), and as such population declines are inferred to be roughly equivalent to the rate of forest loss, not exceeding 10% over ten years.
Drymophila hellmayri occurs in the Santa Marta region of northern Colombia. It is commonly recorded in the western part of the Santa Marta massif, and it is considered likely to occur in suitable scrub habitat elsewhere in the region (T. Donegan in litt. 2016).
The species inhabits the understorey and midstorey in montane evergreen forest and secondary forest, preferring dense second growth and bamboo stands (del Hoyo et al. 2020). It is considered tolerant of secondary habitats, being generally found in "poor habitat" such as overgrown farmland verges and shrubland (T. Donegan in litt. 2016).
Forest within its altitudinal range is being cleared for coffee and illegal marijuana plantations. Remaining habitat is threatened by agricultural expansion, logging, burning and drought (Stattersfield et al. 1998; T. Donegan in litt. 2016).
Conservation Actions Underway
The species occurs within the Santa Marta National Park and El Dorado Bird Reserve.
Conservation Actions Proposed
Assess the population density and quantify the population size. Monitor the population trend.
14-16 cm. Long-tailed antbird. Crown and anterior upperparts black, streaked white in males and cinnamon-rufous in females. Dusky tail, tinged rufous, with a wide blackish subterminal bar.
Text account compilers
Hermes, C.
Contributors
Butchart, S., Donegan, T., Ekstrom, J., Khwaja, N. & Westrip, J.R.S.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Santa Marta Antbird Drymophila hellmayri. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/santa-marta-antbird-drymophila-hellmayri on 18/12/2024.
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 18/12/2024.