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

Justification of Red List category
This poorly known rail qualifies as Vulnerable because it is thought to have a small population, which is likely to be undergoing a continuing decline and increasing fragmentation owing primarily to habitat loss.

Population justification
The population is estimated to number 2,500-9,999 mature individuals based on an assessment of known records, descriptions of abundance and range size. This is consistent with recorded population density estimates for congeners or close relatives with a similar body size, and the fact that only a proportion of the estimated Extent of Occurrence is likely to be occupied. This estimate is equivalent to 3,750-14,999 individuals, rounded here to 3,500-15,000 individuals.

Trend justification
Although poorly studied, this species is suspected to be in decline, owing to widespread forest clearance, even within protected areas, and because of its susceptibility to introduced predators and hunting.

Aramidopsis platenae is endemic to Sulawesi, Indonesia, where it is known from the lowlands and hills in north, central and south-eastern parts of the island, and adjacent Buton (BirdLife International 2001). Its secretive habits make assessment of its population status very difficult. It is only known from c.10 specimens and a handful of recent records, including at Bogani Nani Wartnabone National Park and at Nantu, Gorontalo (B. Schweinhart in litt. 2012). It may therefore be genuinely rare, although it was formerly described as common along the Menado river, south of Tondano. It is likely to have declined as a result of widespread deforestation across its range.

This flightless rail inhabits tropical, lowland evergreen and lower montane rainforest, especially densely vegetated, forest-edge habitats or thick understoreys of primary forest, from sea-level to 1,000 m. Streams, damp gullies and thick secondary growth (in places dominated by rattans, lianas and bamboo) appear to be important habitat features. It has also been found in dense low forest/shrub regrowth on recently abandoned rice-fields and its habitat requirements thus appear more flexible than first believed. Its diet is reported to consist chiefly of small crabs.

As the exact habitat needs and altitudinal preference of the species are somewhat unclear, the impact of extensive lowland deforestation on Sulawesi, as a result of land clearance for transmigration settlements, agricultural and infrastructure development and large-scale logging, is poorly understood. However, habitat loss and fragmentation is likely to pose the single major threat to the species. In Indonesia, new regional autonomy laws were passed in 1999 (and enacted in early 2000) these empower regional governments to determine the licensing of forest concessions and exploitation of natural resources. Unfortunately there has also been a significant increase in the amount of logging taking place in protected areas since decentralisation, especially in Sulawesi. Lowland primary forest in Gorontalo are presently suffering a rapid conversion  The harvesting of rattan in the lower elevations of Lore Lindu National Park may be impacting the species (K. D. Bishop in litt. 2012). Its flightlessness renders it vulnerable to predation, particularly by introduced predators (e.g. dogs). Hunting (using snares) poses a further threat.

Conservation Actions Underway
This species has been protected under Indonesian law since 1972. It is known to occur in two substantial protected areas, Lore Lindu and Bogani Nani Wartabone national parks, although in recent years these have been subject to deforestation, particularly at lower elevations (T. O'Brien in litt. 2007).

Conservation Actions Proposed
Conduct extensive surveys for this species and G. rosenbergi (using tape-playback of their vocalisations if possible), to establish their current distribution and population status, and assess their habitat requirements and main threats. Identify important areas for these species and promote their designation as protected areas where appropriate. Raise public awareness.

29-30 cm. Medium-sized, secretive, flightless, forest rail. Largely grey, with rufous patch on hindneck, white throat, brown wings and tail. Flanks distinctly barred black-and-white. Female similar, but with more extensive rufous on hindneck and less extensive white on chin. Similar spp. Occurs alongside Blue-faced Rail Gymnocrex rosenbergi, which has blue patch around eye and uniform black underparts. Voice Brief wheeze followed by longer snoring noise ee-orrrr. Also deep sighing mmmm.

Text account compilers
Benstead, P., Bird, J., Davidson, P., Taylor, J., Tobias, J., Martin, R

Contributors
O'Brien, T., Bishop, K.

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Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Snoring Rail Aramidopsis plateni. Downloaded from https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/snoring-rail-aramidopsis-plateni 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.