Justification This species is classified as Endangered because it has an extremely small population occupying a very small range at only one location around an active volcano. There has been a continuing decline in the area, extent and quality of native habitat at this location, but the species's population appears to be fluctuating, and not in decline.

Family/Sub-family Dicruridae

Species name author (Milne-Edwards & Oustalet, 1887)

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

Identification 24 cm. Starling-sized, dark bird with long, forked tail. Unglossed brown primaries and tail contrast with otherwise all-black plumage with slightly glossy, deep blue sheen in direct sunlight. Juvenile matt blackish-brown. Black bill and legs. In flight, undersides of primaries reflect light and give false impression of having pale wing-patches. Voice Typical drongo squeaks and sharp clicks and softer wit wit note.

Population estimate

Population trend

Range estimate (breeding/resident)

Country endemic?

100

fluctuating

240 km²

Yes

Range & population Dicrurus fuscipennis has a highly localised distribution around Mt Karthala, Grand Comoro (= Ngazidja), Comoro Islands, and is rare even there. In 1985, it was estimated that few more than 100 individuals existed. However, more birds are being found: in 1989, three pairs were found displaying in coconut plantations on the south-west coast and, in 1992, seven birds (five singles and one pair) were recorded at c.500 m near Nioumbadjou in the south-west¹. In 2005, only three pairs were recorded; two pairs in under-planted forest at 1,050 m and 1,120 m on the south-eastern and eastern slopes of karthala respectively⁶. Another pair was recorded at 400 m in coconut plantations below the western flanks of the forest⁶.

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

Ecology: It is found within a 100-1150 m altitudinal zone, although it has also been found recently at lower elevations on the south-west coast. It appears to show a preference for forest clearings, forest edge and adjacent areas, such as plantations and fields with a well developed bush layer but few high trees, but has also been recorded in under-planted forest with a tall canopy still present⁶. It forages singly or in pairs on large flying insects³. The reasons for this species's rarity are unknown.

Threats Most habitat has already been degraded within the known range of this species^3,4. Since it can persist in exotic vegetation it might be expected to be abundant, and therefore the main threat to its survival is probably still unknown^4,5. It has been suggested that some localities from which it is known could be marginal habitats³. The main threats to native forest on Mt Karthala are clearance for agriculture, invasion of exotic plant species and commercial logging on the south-west slopes. If plans to build a road to Mt Karthala's crater are resurrected, exploitation and fragmentation of the forest, and the spread of exotic species, could be accelerated⁴. Introduced rats are abundant in the forest and may predate nests⁴.

Conservation measures underway A protected area (national park, biosphere reserve or resource management area) on Mt Karthala has been proposed, but is not yet forthcoming^2,4.

Conservation measures proposed Conduct more field surveys to establish the current population, range and status of the species⁵. Investigate possible limiting factors⁵. Create a protected area on Mt Karthala, extending below the native forest edge in the south, in order to encompass most of the known range of this species^2,4. Develop a land-use strategy for the island⁴. Consider reforestation of grasslands on the central ridge⁴. Develop an environmental education programme on the island². Encourage locally-organised ecotourism as an alternative source of income for inhabitants of the Mt Karthala area⁴.

References 1. R. Demey in litt. (1999). 2. Louette and Stevens (1992). 3. Louette et al. (1988). 4. Safford (2001). 5. R. Safford in litt. (1999). 6. C. Marsh in litt. (2007).

Further web sources of information

Alliance for Zero Extinction (AZE) species/site profile. This species has been identified as an AZE trigger due to its IUCN Red List status and limited range.

Text account compilers Jonathan Ekstrom (BirdLife International), John Pilgrim (BirdLife International), Sue Shutes (BirdLife International), Joe Taylor (BirdLife International), Ben Warren (BirdLife International)

Contributors Ron Demey, Michael Louette (Royal Museum for Central Africa), Charles Marsh, Roger Safford (BirdLife International)

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

Recommended citation BirdLife International (2009) Species factsheet: Dicrurus fuscipennis. 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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