Justification This species is listed as Near Threatened, as it has a moderately small and fragmented range, and is likely to be declining owing to habitat loss. However, recent surveys suggest that it may be more widely distributed than previously thought, so it may qualify for downlisting to Least Concern.

Family/Sub-family Emberizidae

Species name author Strickland, 1844

Taxonomic source(s) SACC (2005 + updates), Sibley and Monroe (1990, 1993), Stotz et al. (1996)

Identification

Population estimate

Population trend

Range estimate (breeding/resident)

Country endemic?

unknown

decreasing

145,000 km²

Yes

Range & population Embernagra longicauda on the Serra do Espinhaco of east Brazil (interior central Bahia and Minas Gerais)^2,3. It was also recently discovered in some isolated ranges in the surrounding region, including Serra da Mombuca, Minas Gerais and Serra do Caparo, Espirito Santo⁵. It could be more widespread in surrounding ranges than previously thought⁵.

Important Bird Areas Click here to view map showing IBAs where species is recorded and triggers any of the IBA criteria.

Ecology: This species inhabits campo grasslands at 1,300-2,100 m, although little is known of its ecology. It occurs locally in arid montane scrub, dry savanna and agricultural land with scattered palms and ground bromeliads.

Threats Much of its range was colonised when diamonds and gold were found in this region in the 19th century, and small operations persist. Quartz crystals and manganese are also mined. Increasing conversion of land for cattle ranching is presumably the principal current threat^3,4, but deforestation may be permitting it to expand its range southward¹.

Conservation measures proposed Survey other montane ranges in surrounding parts of southern and eastern Brazil in order to determine the full extent of the range. Conduct ecological studies to determine habitat requirements and the extent of tolerance of agricultural habitat. Protect areas of suitable habitat.

References 1. Machado et al. (1998). 2. Ridgely and Tudor (1989). 3. Stattersfield et al. (1998). 4. WWF/IUCN (1997). 5. Vasconcelos et al. (2003).

Text account compilers Stuart Butchart (BirdLife International), James Gilroy (BirdLife International)

IUCN Red List evaluators Stuart Butchart (BirdLife International), James Gilroy (BirdLife International)

Recommended citation BirdLife International (2010) Species factsheet: Embernagra longicauda. Downloaded from http://www.birdlife.org on 30/7/2010

This information is based upon, and updates, the information published in BirdLife International (2000) Threatened birds of the world. Barcelona and Cambridge, UK: Lynx Edicions and BirdLife International, BirdLife International (2004) Threatened birds of the world 2004 CD-ROM and BirdLife International (2008) Threatened birds of the world 2008 CD-ROM. These sources provide the information for species accounts for the birds on the IUCN Red List.

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