Justification This species has an extremely 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 not known, but the population is not believed to be decreasing sufficiently rapidly to approach the thresholds under the population trend criterion (>30% decline over ten years or three generations). The population size may be moderately small to large, 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.

Family/Sub-family Jacanidae

Species name author (Smith, 1839)

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

Population estimate

Population trend

Range estimate (breeding/resident)

Country endemic?

25,000 - 100,000

unset

3,240,000 km²

No

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

Ecology: Behaviour The migratory movements of this species are very little known¹. It is a sedentary resident of permanent wetlands throughout its range¹ although some populations appear to be nomadic, appearing at ephemeral wetlands³ and seasonally flooded pans even after years of absence during drought¹. The species breeds in territorial solitary pairs², the timing of breeding varying geographically in response to wet seasons and the availability of suitable habitat¹. Outside of the breeding season the species can be observed singly or in loose groups of up to 20 individuals³. Habitat The species shows a preference for shallow water around the edges of permanent and seasonally flooded wetlands, with areas of sparse sedge¹ (Rhynchosporia, Eliocharis, Cyperus and Juncus spp.)³, aquatic grasses (Leersia and Hemarthria spp.)³ and stands of floating vegetation such as water-lilies (Nymphaea and Nymphoides spp.)³. It inhabits lake and dam backwaters³, river flood-plains (e.g. Okavango Delta)¹, swampy river edges, pans, coastal lagoons (Natal, South Africa)², grassy swamps⁴ and sometimes small ponds², although it generally avoids shorelines with firm substrates². Diet The diet of this species consists predominantly of insects, although it may take small pieces of aquatic vegetation^{1, 2} and seeds⁴. Breeding site The nest is a small floating platform of aquatic vegetation positioned on shallow water^{1, 2}.

References 1. del Hoyo et al. (1996). 2. Urban et al. (1986). 3. Hockey et al. (2005). 4. Hayman et al. (1986).

Text account compilers Stuart Butchart (BirdLife International), Jonathan Ekstrom (BirdLife International), Lucy Malpas (BirdLife International)

IUCN Red List evaluators Jeremy Bird (BirdLife International), Stuart Butchart (BirdLife International)

Recommended citation BirdLife International (2009) Species factsheet: Microparra capensis. Downloaded from http://www.birdlife.org on 9/2/2010

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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