Justification This species, only discovered in 1975, is the only bird species endemic to Algeria. It has a very small range, being known from just four locations. It has very specific ecological requirements and habitat at one site in particular is severely threatened and declining in quality. Its overall population is likely to be very small and may be declining. It is therefore classified as Endangered.

Family/Sub-family Sittidae

Species name author Vielliard, 1976

Taxonomic source(s) AERC TAC (2003), Cramp and Simmons (1977-1994), Sibley and Monroe (1990, 1993)

Identification 12.5 cm. Small, rotund, short-tailed nuthatch. Male has small black cap and obvious white eye-stripe, grey upperparts and white throat and buffy breast and belly. Female lacks black on crown and is overall paler. Voice Nuthatch-like call of tseet tseet. Hints Birds may join mixed-species foraging flocks.

Population estimate

Population trend

Range estimate (breeding/resident)

Country endemic?

250-999

decreasing

240 km²

Yes

Range & population Sitta ledanti maintains populations at four known sites in Algeria. There are c.350 birds within the Taza National Park on the Guerrouch massif, c.80 pairs on Mt Babor (where optimum habitat covers only 2.5 km²) and two further populations adjacent to those in the Taza National Park (uncounted, but evidently not larger than the Taza population) survive at Tamentout and Djimla. Searches elsewhere in the region have been unsuccessful, although it is likely to be present at other oakwoods in Lesser Kabylie⁴. All four known sites are within 30 km of each other, although separated by tracts of unsuitable habitat¹. It is possible that the total population does not exceed 1,000 birds².

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 in summit forest (c.2,000 m), in oak forest from 350-1,120 m, and in poorly regenerating oak forest between 900 and 1,400 m. In summer, it forages in the twigs and outer branches of oaks, feeding on insects and spiders. In winter, it feeds largely on nuts and seeds of which the four seed-producing trees on Mt Babor appear to ensure a constant supply². On Mt Babor, the breeding season is May-June, depending on weather conditions or possibly abundance of food. In Taza National Park, the breeding season is known to finish by late June². Nest-holes are usually located 3-15 m up in dead fir trees and also in cedar and oak.

Threats The summit forests of Mt Babor (although in a national park) have been reduced by fire, which also changes the habitat from rich mixed forest to a poorer cedar-dominated succession². Large numbers of livestock cause lack of regeneration and an impoverished understorey². The construction of a motorable track in the 1970s has led to erosion in the area and an increased risk of fire. Human disturbance occurs in the area in the form of military activity against terrorist groups³.

Conservation measures underway The species is well protected in the Taza National Park².

Conservation measures proposed Monitor population trends through regular surveys. Collaborate with local communities to explore different forest management techniques on Mt Babor. Establish plantations outside the present forest perimeter to alleviate pressure for firewood. Conduct a reforestation programme on the southern slopes of Mt Babor. Control grazing by livestock. Implement fire control measures.

References Collar and Stuart (1985). 1. Harrap (1992). 2. Harrap and Quinn (1996). 3. P. Isenmann in litt. (2007). 4. Isenmann and Moali (2000).

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

Contributors Paul Isenmann (Centre d'Ecologie Fonctionnelle et Evolutive)

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

Recommended citation BirdLife International (2009) Species factsheet: Sitta ledanti. 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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