Justification This species is classified as Vulnerable because there is an ongoing decline in the quality and extent of its habitat, the rate of which is increasing annually, implying that its population is likely to decline rapidly over the next ten years.

Family/Sub-family Brachypteraciidae

Species name author Rothschild, 1895

Taxonomic source(s) Dowsett and Forbes-Watson (1993), Sibley and Monroe (1990, 1993)

Identification 47 cm. A long-tailed, charismatic ground-dwelling bird. Greyish upperparts (including crown, mantle and rump), heavily streaked with dark brown in complex pattern. Very long tail, pale brown barred darker, with pale blue outer webs and tips to outer feathers. Darker wings, with pale blue wing-coverts and a white patch at the base of the primaries. Whitish breast, with narrow dark brown breast-band joined to moustachial stripes that are brown in the centre. Long dark legs, short and rather stout bill. Similar spp. Separated from terrestrial couas Coua by blue-edged tail, pale greyish overall appearance and blackish collar. Hints Forages for terrestrial invertebrates in dense, spiny, subdesert vegetation, often lifting and lowering tail.

Population estimate

Population trend

Range estimate (breeding/resident)

Country endemic?

9,500 - 32,700

decreasing

10,500 km²

Yes

Range & population Uratelornis chimaera is restricted to a narrow coastal strip, originally 30-60 km wide and 200 km long, in south-western Madagascar between the Fiherenana and Mangoky rivers. In its habitat it is uncommon, occurring at population densities of about 0.008-0.1 individuals per ha⁶. Although such habitat is threatened in the north-central, eastern and southern parts of this species's range, there is a fairly large intact block north of Manombo⁵. In 2000, the total population was estimated to be 10,000-20,000 individuals⁶. A total population estimate of 21,124 (95% CI: 9,487-32,687) mature individuals was calculated from a tentative estimate of the species's density at 5.7 (95% CI: 2.6-8.8) mature adults per km² from transect surveys in 1999 and an estimate of 3,706 km² of remaining habitat⁸.

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

Ecology: This terrestrial species inhabits semi-arid deciduous forest^8,9 on a sandy substrate⁹ and of a low stature (4-6 m), and sparse coastal scrub, from sea-level to 80 m. The species shows a preferrence for slightly and even heavily degraded habitats^8,9. It is tolerant of disturbance by livestock, having been observed in extremely degraded forest close to villages⁶. Although it is largely terrestrial, this insectivorous species roosts in trees and shrubs, and vocalises from low perches⁹. It appears to be socially monogamous and defends small territories around nest-holes during the breeding season. The nest-holes lead to long burrows which are dug at an angle into the flat sand. It occurs in family groups containing one to four juveniles immediately after fledging, but is otherwise solitary in the dry season and lives in pairs after the first rains in October-November⁹. Breeding peaks in November⁴.

Threats Overall, primary-forest cover has declined by 15.6% between 1962 and 1999, although in the central part of this species's range, it has declined by c.28%^5,6. Such clearance is mainly for slash-and-burn cultivation of maize and for charcoal production (both are increasing⁴), and more locally for construction material and commercial timber⁷. Although the species prefers degraded habitat^8,9, it does not occupy completely deforested land⁸. Predation by dogs and trappers occurs, and introduced rats Rattus may pose a threat, at least locally².

Conservation measures underway The spiny forest of south-west Madagascar has been identified as the biogeographical region in greatest need of additional reserves nationally¹. The northern part of this region, to which the species is restricted, is entirely unprotected^3,4 and is suffering the most rapid degradation⁵. Potential conservation measures have recently been recommended for the area, designed in consultation with local communities^5.

Conservation measures proposed Conduct regular surveys to monitor population trends. Monitor rates of habitat clearance. Establish a coordinated network of community-based conservation areas, including a large protected area⁵. Improve agricultural efficiency and control charcoal production.

References Collar and Stuart (1985). 1. Du Puy and Moat (1996). 2. Langrand (1990). 3. Morris and Hawkins (1998). 4. Seddon (2001). 5. Seddon et al. (2000). 6. N. Seddon and J. Tobias in litt. (1999, 2000). 7. ZICOMA (1999). 8. Seddon and Tobias (2007). 9. Seddon and Tobias (undated).

Text account compilers Jonathan Ekstrom (BirdLife International), Mike Evans (BirdLife International), Sue Shutes (BirdLife International), Malcolm Starkey (BirdLife International), Joe Taylor (BirdLife International)

Contributors Frank Hawkins (Conservation International), Olivier Langrand (WWF Madagascar), Nathalie Seddon (University of Cambridge), Joe Tobias (BirdLife International)

IUCN Red List evaluators Stuart Butchart (BirdLife International), Joe Taylor (BirdLife International)

Recommended citation BirdLife International (2009) Species factsheet: Uratelornis chimaera. Downloaded from http://www.birdlife.org on 10/2/2010

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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