LC
Sumatran Whistling-thrush Myophonus castaneus



Taxonomy

Taxonomic source(s)
del Hoyo, J., Collar, N.J., Christie, D.A., Elliott, A., Fishpool, L.D.C., Boesman, P. and Kirwan, G.M. 2016. HBW and BirdLife International Illustrated Checklist of the Birds of the World. Volume 2: Passerines. Lynx Edicions and BirdLife International, Barcelona, Spain and Cambridge, UK.

IUCN Red List criteria met and history
Red List criteria met
Critically Endangered Endangered Vulnerable
- - -

Red List history
Year Category Criteria
2024 Least Concern
2016 Near Threatened A2c+3c+4c
2012 Near Threatened A2c+3c+4c
2008 Near Threatened A2c; A3c; A4c
2007 Near Threatened
2006 Not Evaluated
2004 Not Recognised
2000 Not Recognised
1994 Not Recognised
1988 Not Recognised
Species attributes

Migratory status not a migrant Forest dependency high
Land-mass type Average mass -
Range

Estimate Data quality
Extent of Occurrence (breeding/resident) 230,000 km2 medium
Severely fragmented? no -
Population
Estimate Data quality Derivation Year of estimate
Population size unknown - - -
Population trend decreasing poor suspected 2017-2030
Rate of change over the past 10 years/3 generations (longer of the two periods) 5-15% - - -
Rate of change over the future 10 years/3 generations (longer of the two periods) 5-15% - - -
Rate of change over the past & future 10 years/3 generations (longer of the two periods) 5-15% - - -
Generation length 4.39 years - - -
Number of subpopulations 1 - - -

Population justification: The global population size has not been quantified, but the species is described as uncommon and scarce everywhere within its range (del Hoyo et al. 2005, Eaton et al. 2021). It was previously split from Bornean Whistling-thrush M. borneensis and Javan Whistling-thrush M. glaucinus, formerly all lumped under Sunda Whistling-thrush M. glaucinus. The two other species are both widespread, however M. castaneus is scarce on Sumatra, apparently occupying a narrower niche, possibly owing to competition with Shiny Whistling-thrush M. melanurus (Collar 2004).

Trend justification: As a forest-dependent species it is suspected to be declining owing to habitat loss and degradation. Deforestation is widespread and continuing on Sumatra, now extending deep into this species’ elevational range. Forest cover extent in this species' range reduced by c.8% overall in the three generations to 2022 (Global Forest Watch 2023, based on data from Hansen et al. [2013] and methods disclosed therein). The species may be affected by trapping to some extent, though this is unconfirmed. Tentatively, declines are placed in the range 5-15% in three generations and this is suspected to continue.


Country/territory distribution
Country/Territory Presence Origin Resident Breeding visitor Non-breeding visitor Passage migrant
Indonesia extant native yes

Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas (IBA)
Country/Territory IBA Name

Habitats & altitude
Habitat (level 1) Habitat (level 2) Importance Occurrence
Forest Subtropical/Tropical Moist Lowland major resident
Forest Subtropical/Tropical Moist Montane major resident
Wetlands (inland) Permanent Rivers/Streams/Creeks (includes waterfalls) suitable resident
Altitude 400 - 1600 m Occasional altitudinal limits  

Threats & impact
Threat (level 1) Threat (level 2) Impact and Stresses
Agriculture & aquaculture Annual & perennial non-timber crops - Agro-industry farming Timing Scope Severity Impact
Ongoing Minority (<50%) Slow, Significant Declines Low Impact: 5
Stresses
Ecosystem degradation, Ecosystem conversion
Agriculture & aquaculture Annual & perennial non-timber crops - Small-holder farming Timing Scope Severity Impact
Ongoing Minority (<50%) Slow, Significant Declines Low Impact: 5
Stresses
Ecosystem degradation, Ecosystem conversion
Biological resource use Logging & wood harvesting - Unintentional effects: (large scale) [harvest] Timing Scope Severity Impact
Ongoing Minority (<50%) Slow, Significant Declines Low Impact: 5
Stresses
Ecosystem degradation, Ecosystem conversion
Biological resource use Logging & wood harvesting - Unintentional effects: (subsistence/small scale) [harvest] Timing Scope Severity Impact
Ongoing Minority (<50%) Slow, Significant Declines Low Impact: 5
Stresses
Ecosystem degradation, Ecosystem conversion

Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Sumatran Whistling-thrush Myophonus castaneus. Downloaded from https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/sumatran-whistling-thrush-myophonus-castaneus on 03/12/2024.
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 03/12/2024.