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 population size is not known.
Trend justification
Despite the species' tolerance of disturbed habitats, it is described as sensitive to forest fragmentation (Aleixo et al. 2021). Within the range, tree cover is lost at a rate of 8-10% over three generations (11.1 years; Global Forest Watch 2023, using Hansen et al. [2013] data and methods disclosed therein). As a consequence of the increasing distance between forest fragments, population declines may exceed the rate of tree cover loss. Tentatively, population declines are here placed in the band 10-19% over three generations.
The species is endemic to Brazil, where it occurs south of the Amazon between the rios Madeira and Xingu (Greeney 2020, Aleixo et al. 2021).
Its habitat requirements are not well explored, but are presumably similar to Thrush-like Antpitta (M. campanisona), which inhabits dense and tangled understory of humid forests, often in proximity to swampy areas and watercourses (Greeney 2020). It appears to favour edge and young successional habitats around treefall gaps and overgrown clearings (Greeney 2020). Despite its tolerance of degraded habitat, it is sensitive to forest fragmentation (Aleixo et al. 2021).
Due to its susceptibility to forest fragmentation, the species is threatened by the large-scale logging of forests for agricultural expansion (Aleixo et al. 2021).
Conservation Actions Underway
The species occurs within several protected areas across its range.
Conservation Actions Proposed
Survey to determine the exact limits of the distribution range. Urgently quantify the population size and trend. Research the species' ecology and behaviour. Research the impacts of forest loss on the population. Monitor the population trend. Monitor rates of habitat change. Protect areas of suitable habitat within the range.
Text account compilers
Hermes, C.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Tapajos Antpitta Myrmothera subcanescens. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/tapajos-antpitta-myrmothera-subcanescens on 27/12/2024.
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 27/12/2024.