Data Zone
Justification of Red List category
This species has an extremely large range and the population size is extremely large, hence does not approach threatened thresholds for the range or population size criteria. The population trend appears to be increasing, and hence the species does not approach the thresholds for Vulnerable under the population trend criterion. For these reasons the species is evaluated as Least Concern.
Population justification
In Europe, the total population size is estimated at 3,500,000-5,690,000 mature individuals, with 1,750,000-2,850,000 breeding pairs (BirdLife International 2021), and comprises approximately 15% of the species' global range, so a very preliminary estimate of the global population size is between 23,300,000-37,900,000 mature individuals, although further validation of this estimate is desirable. In Europe, the species' population is considered to have undergone a rapid increase over three generations (10 years) (BirdLife International 2021). Based on these data, and the proportion of the species' global range that this region holds, the global population size is considered likely to be increasing over three generations.
Trend justification
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This species inhabits rugged areas with shrubs and a high percentage of bare ground or semi-arid pasture. It is typically found in hilly and broken landscapes, with rocky substrates. It is monogamous and egg-laying occurs from February to June in north of range, from early April in North Africa but sometimes from February in western Morocco, May-June/July in northern Somalia and May in East Africa. The nest is a depression on the ground, next to or beneath a shrub or tuft and it is lined with grass stems. Clutches are three to five eggs. The diet varies with the season but is mainly insects, with seeds and occasional green plant material also consumed. The species is resident and generally sedentary (de Juana and Suárez 2004).
Agricultural intensification along with associated irrigation projects (Tucker and Heath 1994) and the afforestation of steppe areas are thought to be driving declines in some parts of Spain. In Las Amoladeras Reserve (Almería), the cessation of hunting resulted in a large increase in rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) and fox (Vulpes vulpes) populations and thus a rapid decline in this species (de Juana and Suárez 2004). Overgrazing is a threat in parts of southwest Iberia (Tucker and Heath 1994).
Conservation Actions Underway
EU Birds Directive Annex I. Bern Convention Appendix II. There are currently no known conservation measures for this species within Europe.
Conservation Actions Proposed
The maintenance of low-intensity farming practices would benefit this species. Steppe habitat should be recovered and conserved. The maintenance of medium-height scrub through low grazing pressure may also be beneficial and assist the species where populations are fragmented. In addition, afforestation and irrigation developments should be restricted (Tucker and Heath 1994).
Text account compilers
Martin, R., Rutherford, C.A.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Thekla's Lark Galerida theklae. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/theklas-lark-galerida-theklae on 22/11/2024.
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 22/11/2024.