• Summary
• Text account
• Data table and detailed info
• Distribution map
• Reference and further resources

Justification of Red List category

This species has a very small range, and is experiencing a continuing decline in mature individuals and habitat quality due to degradation of its forest habitat, and elevational shift due to climate change. It is therefore classified as Endangered.

Population justification
In c.1980, the total population was conservatively estimated at 28,000 individuals, based on a population density of 2-3 birds/ha (van der Willigen and Lovett 1981). Neate-Clegg et al. (2021) estimate that between c.1980-2019, the species declined by approximately 60% based on a comparison of repeated mist-net surveys. Therefore, the population may now equal 11,200 individuals, roughly equating to 7,466 mature individuals. The global population is therefore placed in the band of 2,500-9,999 mature individuals.

Trend justification
The population is estimated to be in decline owing to the clearance and degradation of the species's forest habitat through the encroachment of agriculture and wood extraction, and habitat shifting due to climate change. Neate-Clegg et al. (2021) estimate that the species has declined by 60% between c.1980-2019. Habitat shifting is likely to continue affecting the species in the future, but the resulting likely rate of decline has not been quantified.

Sheppardia montana has a very small range in the West Usambara Mountains, Tanzania, of which it is thought to occupy just c. 140 km² of suitable habitat. 

This is a largely ground-dwelling bird of montane forest undergrowth, thickets and degraded forest with some remaining canopy, replacing Sharpe's Akalat S. sharpei at higher altitudes and in drier forests (Keith et al. 1992). It appears to generally avoid burnt areas, with >95% captures in one study in unburnt areas (R. Mapunda via J. John in litt. 2016). It forages on the forest floor (often following driver-ant swarms), as well as on trunks and lianas, and by sallying in mid-air (Keith et al. 1992). Its breeding ecology is unknown, but there are indications that the breeding season is from October to March, with a peak in November-December (Keith et al. 1992; N. Baker in litt. 1999).

Formerly its habitat was converted to softwood plantations (N. Baker in litt. 1999). The recently gazetted Magamba Forest Nature Reserve, which is probably the stronghold for the species is threatened by frequent forest fires (R. Mapunda in litt. via J. John 2016).  Data from Global Forest Watch (2021) suggests that the species is still experiencing forest loss across its range, although the rates are likely to be <10% over three generations. The most serious threat to this species is likely to be habitat elevational shifting due to climate change. It has already experienced an elevational shift, and as a mountain-top species it is very vulnerable to this as it cannot move any further up-slope (Neate-Clegg et al. 2021).

Conservation Actions Underway
Most of its range lies within Forest Reserves. Magamba Forest Reserve where the Usambara Akalat is locally common (R. Mapunda via J. John in litt. 2016) was gazetted as a Nature Reserve in 2010, and it is the largest forest block (8700 ha) among 14 forests in Lushoto District (J. John in litt. 2016). Some forest areas in the west Usambaras have developed community management plans (Goodman et al. 1995) but the outcomes and effectiveness of these is not known. In February 2000, a three-year evaluation of forest health, land-use change and information sharing in the Eastern Arc forests was established (Madoffe et al. 2005, see www.easternarc.org). Satellite imagery, permanent sample plots and stakeholder interviews are being used to evaluate forest health (Madoffe et al. 2005, see www.easternarc.org).

Conservation Actions Proposed
Regularly monitor the population size. Assess and monitor potential threats, especially the extent and rate of loss or degradation of its habitat. Control the occurrence of forest fires in west Usambaras especially at Magamba Forest Nature Reserve (R. Mapunda via J. John in litt. 2016). Work with organisations such as Tea Estates to conserve forests in the West Usambaras, such as at Ambangulu (Goodman et al. 1995). Reconnect the forest fragments and create an action plan for this species (Neate-Clegg et al. 2021), and create a conservation strategy that addresses climate change (Neate-Clegg et al. 2021). 

13 cm. Small, drab robin of forest. Dull with hardly any contrasting features. Tail slightly redder than brown upperparts. Off-white underparts washed brown across breast and flanks. Loral area slightly paler (hardly noticeable). Voice Soft tssh contact note. Thin, weak, high-pitched song. Hints Most easily located in Shume and Shagayu forest patches on the West Usambara Mountains (Tanzania).

Text account compilers
Clark, J.

Contributors
Baker, N., Bird, J., Butchart, S., Ekstrom, J., Evans, M., John, J., Mapunda, R., Shutes, S., Starkey, M., Symes, A., Taylor, J. & Westrip, J.R.S.

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Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Usambara Akalat Sheppardia montana. Downloaded from https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/usambara-akalat-sheppardia-montana 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.