Data Zone
Justification of Red List category
This species is listed as Near Threatened because it has a very small range, which is fragmented and declining in area, extent and/or quality. However, it likely occurs at >10 locations and is not severely fragmented and so approaches, but does not meet the threshold for Vulnerable. Hence it is listed as Near Threatened.
Population justification
The global population size has not been quantified, but the species is described as 'common' throughout its range (del Hoyo et al. 2008).
Trend justification
The population is suspected to be stable in the absence of evidence for any declines or substantial threats.
Cinnyris usambaricus is found only in montane habitats in the Taita Hills, Kenya, and the South Pare and Usambara Mountains of Tanzania.
This species inhabits montane habitats such as forest, heath and grassland (Cheke and Mann 2016).
While this species can utilise a range of habitats, forest within its range has been and continues to be degraded as subsistence agriculture and wood extraction encroaches (Goodman et al.1995, Brooks et al. 1998, Mulwa 1998).
Conservation Actions UnderwayThe Forest Department is now safeguarding the remaining forest fragments of the Taita Hills, which have been designated as an IBA. In the Usambaras there are several Forest Reserves. 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. undated, see www.easternarc.org). Satellite imagery, permanent sample plots and stakeholder interviews are being used to evaluate forest health (Madoffe et al. undated, see www.easternarc.org).
Conservation Actions ProposedContinue to remove non-native trees from within indigenous forest (Brooks 1997), and continue to reforest cleared areas with native trees (Brooks 1997, L. Bennun in litt. 1999). Further develop sustainable forest-use schemes, based on ecotourism and harvesting forest products (Brooks 1997, L. Bennun in litt. 1999) and outreach programmes to local communities (Brooks 1997, L. Bennun in litt. 1999, M. Githiru in litt. 2008, 2009, 2010). Assess and monitor potential threats, especially the extent and rate of loss or degradation of its habitat. Work with organisations such as Tea Estates to conserve forests in the West Usambaras, such as at Ambangulu (Goodman et al. 1995).
Text account compilers
Calvert, R. & Westrip, J.
Contributors
Bennun, L. & Githiru, M.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Usambara Double-collared Sunbird Cinnyris usambaricus. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/usambara-double-collared-sunbird-cinnyris-usambaricus 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.