Data Zone
Justification of Red List category
This species is considered Near Threatened as it is restricted to a small range. Although populations are apparently stable and secure at present, there are signs that human pressures within its range are increasing as suitable habitat is slowly lost in the lower elevations of the range.
Population justification
The population size of this species has not been quantified, but it is described as uncommon.
Trend justification
The population trend has not been investigated. However, due to the remoteness and inaccessibility of the range the population is suspected to be stable. Nevertheless, remote sensing data shows that there is localised tree cover loss, in particular in the lower elevations of the range, which is currently proceeding at a rate of 1% over three generations (Global Forest Watch 2022).
Atlapetes terborghi has a very small range in the north Cordillera Vilcabamba, east-central Cuzco, Peru. It has so far only been found on the western slope of the Cordillera Vilcabamba, but is assumed to be more widespread throughout the massif (Schulenberg 2020).
It occurs in humid montane evergreen forest, elfin forest and at the interface of elfin forest, probably at 1,700-3,520 m, where there is a high (but irregular and broken) canopy and dense undergrowth, and tall humid grassland adjacent to forest (Weske and Terborgh 1981, Schulenberg 2020). Its ecology is largely unknown.
The northern Cordillera Vilcabamba is one of the most intact areas of Peru, mostly owing to its remoteness and lack of human habitation (J. Fjeldså verbally 2000, Schulenberg 2020). However, remote sensing data suggest increasing human encroachment into the range and likely conversion of forests for agriculture, as evidenced by small-scale logging of forests in particular in lower elevations (Global Forest Watch 2022).
Conservation Actions Underway
The species is included in the 'Search for lost birds' project by American Bird Conservancy, BirdLife International and Re:wild, supporting field expeditions to search for the species.
Conservation Actions Proposed
Conduct repeated surveys of the Cordillera Vilcabamba to quantify the population size and better delimit the distribution range. Investigate the species' ecology and habitat requirements. Research threats to the species and assess their impact. Monitor the population trend. Monitor rates of habitat loss. Protect areas of suitable habitat within the range.
Text account compilers
Hermes, C.
Contributors
Butchart, S., Fjeldså, J., Gilroy, J. & Sharpe, C.J.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Vilcabamba Brushfinch Atlapetes terborghi. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/vilcabamba-brushfinch-atlapetes-terborghi on 26/12/2024.
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 26/12/2024.