Data Zone
Justification of Red List category
This species has a large range, and hence does not 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 is unknown and hence does not meet or approach the thresholds for Vulnerable under the population trend criterion (>30% decline over ten years or three generations). The population size is unknown and hence does not 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 population size of this poorly-known species has not been quantified; it is closely associated with giant honey bee colonies Apis laboriosa and is considered very rare to uncommon throughout its range. Although generally assumed to be a rare species, it is likely easily overlooked due to its inconspicuous behaviour and may be more common than the paucity of records suggest.
Trend justification
The population trend is very difficult to assess given its very specific ecological niche and the inaccessible nature of its habitat, with current knowledge restricted to a few hives close to roads (N. Kitnya and J. Praveen in litt. 2024). Over-exploitation of bees' nests for honey by human populations has been suggested as a potential threat (Underwood 1992), but the remoteness of much of its range suggests this can only be a marginal and localised threat. Bee colonies may be locally exploited and undergo declines (for example in Nepal), however harvesting of honey is very low in in other parts of the range and much of this remains inaccessible to humans (G. Otis in litt. 2024). Species distribution modelling does not suggest that bee colonies are likely to be significantly affected by climate change (Huang et al. 2022). Moreover, habitat loss and degradation has been suspected of causing declines, but remote sensing data suggest forest loss is minimal within the range [Global Forest Watch 2023, using data from Hansen et al. (2013) and methods disclosed therein]). It is unclear whether these threats are likely to be impacting the global population trend and the lack of knowledge of the species’ breeding biology, including possible hosts if it is a brood parasite, and of its behaviour away from bees’ nests, makes it difficult to assess the scope and severity of any threats (Short et al. 2020). The trend is considered unknown given the considerable uncertainty surrounding the species, though there is currently no evidence to suggest it may be declining at a rate that may approach thresholds for listing as threatened.
This species occurs in Nepal, India, Bhutan, China and Myanmar. It has been historically recorded in Pakistan, though small numbers may still occur here with recent records of Apis laboriosa made in the Pir Panjal Range (N. Kitnya and J. Praveen in litt. 2024, G. Otis in litt. 2024).
This species occurs in rocky gorges and valleys with broadleaved or coniferous forest, usually between 1,450 and 3,500 m (Underwood 1992, Spierenberg 2005, Short et al. 2020). Males defend giant honey bee nests (Apis laboriosa).that are usually attached to vertical cliffs. It may be an obligate brood parasite, although hosts are unknown.
It has been suggested that over-exploitation of bees' nests for honey by human populations in the Himalayas might have a deleterious impact on its populations. Bee colonies may be locally exploited and undergo declines (for example in Nepal), however harvesting of honey is very low in in other parts of the range and much of this remains inaccessible to humans (G. Otis in litt. 2024). Similarly, the loss of floral diversity as a result of agricultural expansion could affect bee populations, and the development of road infrastructure and illegal felling have also been suggested as potential threats (A. Malik in litt. 2024). Forest loss could influence this species, though remote sensing data suggest this is ongoing only very slowly within the range (Global Forest Watch 2023, using data from Hansen et al. [2013] and methods disclosed therein). The scope and severity of threats are difficult to assess given its very specific ecological niche and the inaccessible nature of its habitat, however the remoteness of much of its range suggests they may only be marginal and localised.
Conservation Actions Underway
No targeted conservation actions are known for this species, although it occurs in several protected areas.
Conservation Actions Proposed
Survey the population to quantify the population size and trends. Conduct ecological studies to determine precise habitat requirements and breeding biology, as well as tolerance of secondary habitats and response to fragmentation. Campaign for the protection of giant honey bee colonies, as well as flower-rich habitats within the species' range.
Text account compilers
Vine, J.
Contributors
Praveen, J., Malik, A., Kitnya, N. & Otis, G.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Yellow-rumped Honeyguide Indicator xanthonotus. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/yellow-rumped-honeyguide-indicator-xanthonotus 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.