Data Zone
Justification of Red List category
This species is restricted to a small range. Forests are lost at an accelerating pace, driving a slow population decline. The species is therefore listed as Near Threatened.
Population justification
The global population size has not been quantified, but the species is considered to be common (Stotz et al. 1996, Krabbe and Schulenberg 2020).
Based on density estimates of congeners (S. stilesi: 30-140 individuals/km2; S. rodriguezi: 200-600 individuals/km2), and assuming that the species occurs at a lower density than these species in c.1,100 km2 of habitat, the population may number up to 33,000 individuals (Renjifo et al. 2016 and references therein). This equates to roughly 22,000 mature individuals.
Trend justification
The species is assessed as being in decline as a consequence of the loss and degradation of forested habitat within the range.
Over the last ten years, 4% of tree cover has been lost from the range (Global Forest Watch 2021, using Hansen et al. [2013] data and methods disclosed therein). Since 2016, tree cover loss has been accelerating to a rate equating to 6% over ten years (Global Forest Watch 2021, using Hansen et al. [2013] data and methods disclosed therein). The species depends on a dense understory and population declines are likely exacerbated by the degradation of forests; however, the rate of population decline is unlikely to exceed 10% over ten years.
The species occurs in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, Colombia.
The species inhabits dense humid forests at elevations of 900-1,700 m (Renjifo et al. 2016, Krabbe and Schulenberg 2020). It prefers mature or late successional forests, where it is found in the undergrowth or in dark tangled ravines, but is sometimes observed in overgrown coffee plantations (Renjifo et al. 2016, Krabbe and Schulenberg 2020). It likely feeds on small arthropods, but its ecology is not well known (Renjifo et al. 2016).
The species is threatened by the loss and degradation of its habitat. Particularly in the lower parts of the range, forest is converted for cattle pastures, agricultural fields and coffee plantations (Renjifo et al. 2016). In recent years, tree cover loss has been accelerating within the range to a rate of up to 6% over ten years (Global Forest Watch 2021, using Hansen et al. [2013] data and methods disclosed therein).
Conservation Actions Underway
Large parts of the range are protected within Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta National Park.
Conservation Actions Proposed
Accurately quantify the population size. Research the species's biology, ecology, behaviour and subpopulation structure. Monitor the population trend.
Protect habitat within the range. Consider restoring habitat through reforestation or where necessary the creation of dispersal corridors to facilitate movement.
Text account compilers
Hermes, C.
Contributors
Symes, A.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Santa Marta Tapaculo Scytalopus sanctaemartae. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/santa-marta-tapaculo-scytalopus-sanctaemartae on 23/11/2024.
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 23/11/2024.