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 although the species is described as very rare (del Hoyo et al. 2007), it is possible that the very few records result from low observer coverage within the altitudinal range of the species, rather than genuine rarity (N. Brickle in litt. 2007, J. Eaton in litt. 2007).
Trend justification
The population is suspected to be in decline owing to ongoing habitat destruction and fragmentation.
This species occurs in the Batak Highlands and south-central Barisan range of Sumatra, Indonesia. It is present in Gunung Leuser and Kerinci Seblat National Parks. It is relatively common at Gunung Kerinci.
This species is found on the floor and in the understorey of lower montane oak-laurel forest at 1,200-2,850 m.
A considerable area of montane forest remains on Sumatra, and this species is unlikely to be at serious risk from habitat loss.
Text account compilers
Gilroy, J.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Sumatran Wren-babbler Napothera albostriata. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/sumatran-wren-babbler-napothera-albostriata on 24/11/2024.
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 24/11/2024.