Data Zone
Justification of Red List category
This species occurs within a small range. While large tracts of its habitat are protected, it is suspected that forests outside of protected areas are subject to degradation for agricultural encroachment. For these reasons, the species is classified as Near Threatened.
Population justification
The global population size has not been quantified, but this species is described as 'fairly common to common' (Stotz et al. 1996).
Trend justification
The population trend has not been quantified directly. The only potential threat known is the loss and degradation of forested habitat within the range. However currently, vast areas of forest remain within the range and tree cover loss is negligible (<1% over ten years; Global Forest Watch 2022, using Hansen et al. [2013] data and methods disclosed therein). Therefore, in the absence of evidence for any declines or substantial threats, the population is suspected to be stable.
Myioborus albifrons occurs in the Cordillera de Mérida in the Andes of Táchira, Mérida and Trujillo, west Venezuela (Meyer de Schauensee and Phelps 1978, Ridgely and Tudor 1989).
This species occurs in wet montane forest and forest edge, occasionally in elfin forest near the treeline (Parker et al. 1996, Curson 2020).
Although some large tracts of forest remain within its limited range, deforestation has been locally severe in lower elevations, with logging continuing to expand to higher areas. Forests outside of protected areas are under pressure from human settlements and conversion for cattle-ranching and agricultural cultivation. The east slope of the Cordillera de Mérida is being cleared for extensive cattle-ranching. Mining concessions and road-building pose further threats to remaining habitat (Stattersfield et al. 1998, Curson 2020, C. J. Sharpe in litt. 2022).
Conservation Actions Underway
No targeted actions are known.
Conservation Actions Proposed
Quantify the population size. Conduct ecological studies of this species to determine its precise habitat requirements and tolerance of secondary habitats. Repeat surveys of known sites to monitor population trends. Protect areas of suitable habitat.
Text account compilers
Hermes, C.
Contributors
Capper, D., Gilroy, J., O'Brien, A. & Sharpe, C.J.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: White-fronted Whitestart Myioborus albifrons. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/white-fronted-whitestart-myioborus-albifrons 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.