Snares Fernbird (Poodytes caudatus) | Text

Snares Fernbird Poodytes caudatus

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Justification

Justification of Red List category
This species has a small population and a restricted range, with the plausible threat of introduced predators driving it to CR or EX in a very short time. It is therefore classified as Vulnerable.

Population justification
This species has a very small range of just c.3.3 km² of vegetated habitat in its range. Miskelly et al. (2001) found it to be the commonest landbird and abundant across its limited range at an approximated density of 8 pairs/hectare, equivalent to 2,640 mature individuals, similar to the estimation by Richdale (1948) of 10 pairs/hectare, equivalent to 3,300 mature individuals. The population is thought to be stable and is therefore estimated at 2,000-3,500 mature individuals, with a best estimate of 3,000.

Trend justification
The population density appears to have remained fairly stable since the late 1940s (Miskelly et al. 2001). Overall the population is considered to have been stable within the last ten years (Robertson et al. 2013, 2017, 2021).

Distribution and population

Poodytes caudatus is only found on the Snares Islands (New Zealand). As well as the main island, it is also present on Broughton Island and Alert Stack.

Ecology

This species forages on the forest floor and nests in rushes, tussac grass (Poa tennantiana and P. astonii), kokomuka (Hebe elliptica) shrubland and Olearia lyalli trees, with scattered patches of Brachyglottis stewartiae and ground cover of ferns and various herbs (del Hoyo et al. 2017).

Threats

If non-native mammalian predators arrive on the Snares they could quickly lead to this species becoming Critically Endangered or Extinct.

Conservation actions

Conservation Actions Underway

Conservation Actions Proposed
Conduct surveys to monitor the population. Prevent invasive mammals from getting to the Snares.

Acknowledgements

Text account compilers
Butchart, S., Vine, J., Westrip, J.R.S., Stringer, C., Ekstrom, J.

Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Snares Fernbird Poodytes caudatus. Downloaded from https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/snares-fernbird-poodytes-caudatus on 28/12/2024.
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 28/12/2024.