Data Zone
Justification of Red List category
This species has a 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). The population size is unknown but is probably very large, thus the species does not 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). The population trend is suspected to be stable, so it does not approach the thresholds for Vulnerable under the population trend criterion (>30% decline over ten years or three generations). For these reasons the species is evaluated as Least Concern.
Population justification
The population size of this species has not been estimated. It is described as rather scarce and localised (del Hoyo et al. 2007) and citizen science data (eBird 2023) indicate generally low abundance; however, the area of highly suitable habitat was estimated by Li et al. (2023) to be very large (although with some uncertainty over the accuracy, since the total value exceeded that of the EOO used here), such that even if only a tiny percentage of this area is occupied, the total population size is probably large.
Trend justification
Historically, deforestation and habitat degradation were suspected of causing declines, however there is little evidence to uphold that this is ongoing, nor evidence to suggest that threats are likely to be operating at a scale any larger than negligible. Remote sensing data also indicate very little change in the majority of this species' vast and remote range. In the future, modelling by Li et al. (2023) found that the area of suitable habitat is unlikely to change in response to climate change between now and 2050. Accordingly, in the absence of any known threats the population is suspected to be stable.
Pterorhinus koslowi is restricted to the eastern part of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, in eastern Tibet and southern Qinghai, China, where several large valleys cut into the plateau, including those of the Tongtian river (the upper reaches of the Chang Jiang or Yangtze), the Lancang Jiang (the upper Mekong) and the Nu Jiang (the upper Salween). Rasmussen and Anderton (2012) postulated that this species may occur in north-west Arunachal Pradesh, India, but this has not yet been confirmed.
This species is found in juniper forest and scrub, mixed fir and juniper forest and scrub bordering agricultural land at c.3,650-4,500 m.
Conservation Actions Underway
No targeted conservation actions are known for this species.
Conservation Actions Proposed
Monitor populations and habitat trends across its range. Conduct ecological studies to determine precise habitat requirements and response to fragmentation. Protect areas of suitable habitat and safeguard against future threats.
Text account compilers
Berryman, A.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Tibetan Babax Pterorhinus koslowi. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/tibetan-babax-pterorhinus-koslowi on 23/12/2024.
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 23/12/2024.