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

Justification of Red List category
This species has a very small range, within which it is apparently scarce and localised. Although much of its habitat remains secure, it may be declining as a result of habitat loss in some areas, and this situation should be carefully monitored. It is currently considered Near Threatened.

Population justification
The global population size has not been quantified, but the species is described as locally not uncommon (del Hoyo et al. 2006). It is mostly abundant in montane forests. A survey across the Sri Lankan wet and montane zones detected the species approximately 169 times during 2007-2009 (E. Goodale in litt. 2020).

Trend justification
Slight declines are thought likely to be occurring as a result of habitat loss within the lower elevational range of this species.

Elaphrornis palliseri is an endemic resident in Sri Lanka. It occupies a small range, within which it is apparently rare. However, it is very unobtrusive, and has been found to be fairly common in suitable habitat.

This species inhabits grassy hollows or margins, preferably with bamboo or Strobilanthes intermixed, within or adjacent to forests with dense undergrowth or wet oak forest, particularly above 1,500 m, but also recorded down to 350 m. The species may also occur near borders of tea plantations and forest edges (Madge 2020). In some areas, such as near Horton Plains, it can also be seen in eucalyptus timber plantations (Goodale et al. 2014). Breeding occurs usually between March and May and often again in from August to September (Madge 2020). Invertebrates compose the main diet of the species, including larval stages of small spiders, caterpillars, and worms.

Forest habitats within the range are currently being affected by clearance for agriculture and logging, although this is occurring only at very low rates. However, should fragmentation or degradation increase, as seems to be the case at lower altitudes, its threat status could increase rapidly.

Conservation Actions Underway
A core population is protected within Horton Plains National Park. The species also occurs in The Peak Wilderness Sanctuary (Warakagoda et al. 2020).   

Conservation Actions Proposed
Conduct repeated surveys within the range to assess its current distribution and abundance, as well as identify population trends and rates of habitat loss. Conduct ecological studies to improve understanding of its precise habitat requirements, tolerance of secondary habitats and response to fragmentation. Increase the area of suitable habitat that has protected status. Conduct research to determine if the species can withstand harsh climate and whether they subsequently migrate locally when conditions become unfavorable (Fernando et al. 2019). 

Text account compilers
Fernando, E.

Contributors
Benstead, P., Gilroy, J., Goodale, E. & Khwaja, N.

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Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Sri Lanka Warbler Elaphrornis palliseri. Downloaded from https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/sri-lanka-warbler-elaphrornis-palliseri on 25/12/2024.
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 25/12/2024.