Data Zone
Justification of Red List category
This species has a relatively 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 species is not thought to be decreasing and hence does not meet or approach the thresholds for Vulnerable under the population trend criterion (>30% decline over ten years or three generations). The population size is unknown but is likely to be large and hence 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). For these reasons the species is evaluated as Least Concern.
Population justification
The total population size is unknown. The species is known by just a few scattered records in this inaccessible and poorly known area, but it appears to be genuinely rather scarce and localised and is seemingly absent from extensive areas of seemingly suitable habitat (Madge 2020). Using a line transect method, a population of 18-33 individuals was estimated in a 7.4 km2 study site (Ju and Golok 2013). Considering also an estimated c. 137,000 km2 of highly suitable habitat (and a further c. 200,000 km2 of medium suitability) (Li et al. 2023), the population probably numbers at least in the high tens of thousands.
Trend justification
Populations are thought to have stabilised through targeted conservation action including establishing a community-conserved area for the species and working with local herdsmen. Grazing has been restricted in critical habitat during nesting season, which has resulted in increased bunting numbers (Ju and Golok 2013). Additionally, climate change is not projected to cause a significant change in area of habitat: climate modelling showed that the area of habitat with high suitability is likely to increase marginally between now and 2050 (Li et al. 2023). In the absence of evidence for declines in the last ten years, the global population trend is suspected to be stable.
Emberiza koslowi is restricted to the eastern part of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, 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).
It inhabits barren areas, juniper and rhododendron scrub on valley slopes above the treeline at c. 3,500-4,700 m (Ju and Golok 2013). It rather unusually builds a domed nest and appears to breed late, with young hatching in mid-July (Thewlis and Martins 2000).
Threats include predation by carnivores, food insufficiency during winter and eggs being trampled by livestock (Ju and Golok 2013). Climate change was previously thought to be an additional threat, thought to be altering habitat through increased temperatures and decreased precipitation (Ju and Golok 2013). However, modelling by Li et al. (2023) found that the area of suitable habitat overall is unlikely to change in response to climate change between now and 2050.
Conservation Actions Underway
The first community-conserved area for the species in Nyanpo Yutse was established in 2005. Grazing has been restricted in critical habitat during nesting season, which has resulted in increased bunting numbers (Ju and Golok 2013).
Text account compilers
Vine, J.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Tibetan Bunting Emberiza koslowi. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/tibetan-bunting-emberiza-koslowi on 23/11/2024.
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 23/11/2024.