Data Zone
Justification of Red List category
Although this species may have a small range, it is not believed to 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 trend appears to be stable, and hence the species does not approach the thresholds for Vulnerable under the population trend criterion (>30% decline over ten years or three generations). The population size may be small, but it is not believed to 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 global population size has not been quantified, but the species is described as fairly common to common (del Hoyo et al. 2003, Schulenberg 2020).
Based on its small range, covering an area of approximately 3,000 km2, the population is tentatively placed in the band 2,500-9,999 mature individuals.
Trend justification
Habitat loss is negligible within its remote range (per Global Forest Watch 2021, using Hansen et al. [2013] data and methods disclosed therein), and in the absence of evidence for any declines or substantial threats the population is suspected to be stable.
This species is restricted to the upper Urubamba valley of the Cordillera Vilcabamba in the Andes of east-central Peru.
The species occurs in humid montane and elfin forest near the treeline, in Ichu grassland with heath bushes, often in areas dominated by dense mosses and boulders (del Hoyo et al. 2003, Schulenberg 2020).
Due to the relative remoteness and inaccessibility of its range, the species is not considered to be under imminent pressure from human activities. Its habitat has changed little since Incan times. The species is recorded around houses and in disturbed areas, so despite its small range it appears tolerant of some habitat modification. Grasslands near human settlements may be at moderate risk from burning, and the loss of forests within the range is negligible (Global Forest Watch 2021, using Hansen et al. [2013] data and methods disclosed therein).
Conservation Actions Proposed
Survey to determine the exact distribution and to provide accurate estimates of the population size and trend.
Text account compilers
Hermes, C.
Contributors
Bird, J. & Butchart, S.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Vilcabamba Tapaculo Scytalopus urubambae. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/vilcabamba-tapaculo-scytalopus-urubambae 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.