Data Zone
Justification of Red List category
This species has a very large range, and hence does not approach the thresholds for Vulnerable under the range size criterion (Extent of Occurrence <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). Despite the fact that the population trend appears to be decreasing, the decline is not believed to be sufficiently rapid to approach the thresholds for Vulnerable under the population trend criterion (>30% decline over ten years or three generations). The population size has not been quantified, but it is not believed to approach the thresholds for Vulnerable under the population size criterion (<10,000 mature individuals with a continuing decline estimated to be >10% in ten years or three generations, or with a specified population structure). For these reasons the species is evaluated as Least Concern.
Population justification
The global population size has not been quantified, but this species is generally described as rare, uncommon and occurring at a low density (Angehr and Dean 2010, del Hoyo et al. 2022, T. Donegan in litt. 2023). Observational records appear localised and infrequent (per eBird 2022).
Trend justification
The population trend has not been investigated, but declines are suspected owing to ongoing habitat loss and degradation.
Tree cover within the range is lost at a rate of 5% over three generations (16.2 years; Global Forest Watch 2022, using Hansen et al. [2013] data and methods disclosed therein). The species appears to tolerate forest edge habitat, but nevertheless is most often found in forest interiors (del Hoyo et al. 2022); consequently, population declines may be roughly equivalent to the rate of tree cover loss. They are here placed in the band 1-9% over three generations.
Campephilus splendens is found in eastern Panama, western Colombia and north-western Ecuador.
The species inhabits humid and wet forest in lowlands and foothills (del Hoyo et al. 2022). Though it is most commonly found inside tall forest, it tolerates forest edge (del Hoyo et al. 2022). It forages at low levels and close to ground, particularly on trunks of large trees (del Hoyo et al. 2002). Breeding has been recorded in March-May in Panama (del Hoyo et al. 2002, 2022).
Threats include intensive logging, human settlement, cattle-grazing, mining, and coca and palm cultivation.
Conservation and research actions underway
No targeted actions are known.
Conservation and research actions proposed
Search for the species in potentially suitable habitat at new sites. Quantify the population size. Study its ecology and its ability to persist in degraded and fragmented habitats. Monitor population at strongholds.
Protect areas of suitable habitat within the range. Effectively manage protected areas where the species occurs.
Text account compilers
Hermes, C.
Contributors
Butchart, S., Donegan, T., Ekstrom, J., Symes, A. & Taylor, J.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Splendid Woodpecker Campephilus splendens. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/splendid-woodpecker-campephilus-splendens 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.