BirdLife species factsheet for Nilgiri Flycatcher
Nilgiri Flycatcher Eumyias albicaudatus is restricted to the Western Ghats of southern India. It is currently listed as Near Threatened under criterion B1ab(ii,iii) because it was thought to occupy a moderately small and fragmented range, likely to be experiencing a continuing decline owing to a number of emerging threats associated with human population increase.
However, mapping of the species range shows that it is larger than previously thought, with an Extent of Occurrence (EOO) of 32,800km2. Although the population is suspected to be in decline owing to ongoing habitat destruction, and the global population size is unknown, the species is described as common, especially at higher elevations (del Hoyo et al. 2006).
If this information is confirmed, and the EOO of this species does not approach 20,000km2, it would no longer qualify as Near Threatened under the range size criterion. If its population size is not thought to approach 10,000 mature individuals, with all individuals in one subpopulation or all subpopulations approaching 1,000 mature individuals; and is not suspected to be declining at a rate of ≥25% in three generations (11 years), this species would warrant downlisting to Least Concern.
Information is requested on the distribution, population size and trends, and the severity of threats to this species. Additional comments on the proposed downlisting are welcome.
Reference:
del Hoyo, J., Elliott, A. and Christie, D. A. eds (2006) Handbook of the Birds of the World. Vol. 11. Old World Flycatchers to Old World Warblers. Lynx Edicions: Barcelona.
BirdLife range map for Nilgiri Flycatcher:
Related posts:
- Melodious Babbler (Malacopteron palawanense), Palawan Blue-flycatcher (Cyornis lemprieri) and Blue Paradise-flycatcher (Terpsiphone cyanescens): downlist to Least Concern?
- Archived 2010-2011 topics: Nilgiri Pipit (Anthus nilghiriensis): uplist to Vulnerable?
- Archived 2011-2012 topics: Vietnam Greenfinch (Carduelis monguilloti): downlist to Least Concern?
- Black-chested Honeyeater (Lichmera notabilis): downlist to Least Concern?
- Archived 2011-2012 topics: Short-tailed Scimitar-babbler (Jabouilleia danjoui): downlist to Least Concern?
I am curious to know how a figure of 32,800 km2 was arrived at for EOO. If there is a sample map (shapefile or jpg) available, then people would be able to better comment if this is correct. As far as I am aware of, there has been no novel information on this species in the last 5-10 years which should have changed its EOO – unless the previous EOO calculation was itself wrong.
Since the discussion is solely based on the EOO size, it is felt that the calculation details (i.e. the map) be shared for comments.
Many thanks Praveen for your comment. I have uploaded a JPEG of the range map to the discussion topic. The range map can also be viewed on the species factsheet (link at the top of the discussion topic).
This topic has been provoked by more stringent application of the IUCN Red List criteria in relation to the Near Threatened category.
Nilgiri Flycatcher is seen in the following sites in Kerala,
Neyyar WLS, Peppara WLS, Ponmudi Kallar, Kulathupuzha RF, Shendurny WLS, Periyar Tiger Reserve, Idukki WLS, Thattekkad WLS, Eravikulam NP, Pampadum shola NP, Mathikettan Shola NP, Anamudi Shola NP, Kurinjimala WLS, Chinnar WLS, Vazhachal-Sholayar RF, Parambikulam WLS, Chimmony WLS, Nelliampathy Hills, Peechi-Vazhani WLS, Siruvani Hills, Silent Valley NP, Nilambur RF, Sound Wayanad Hills, Kakkayam RF, Malabar WLS, Wynad WLS, North Wynad Forests, Aaralam WLS & Kottiyur WLS,
the total cumulative extent of which comes to about 5000 sq. km. Even if one assumes that Nilgiri Flycatcher is seen in all the forests areas of Kerala (including the vested forests) it is only 11,000 sq. km. If we add about 2500 sq. km. each from Tamil Nadu and Karnataka to the distribution range of this bird, even then the it comes to only 16,000 sq. km.
Of course the EOO, is calculated by drawing the polygon connecting the outermost distributional points within the range of the species. The Kerala state has a total length of ~550 km, plus if we add 50km from Karnataka, multiplied by 30km width in the W Ghats where the Nilgiri Flycather is seen, the EOO comes to about 600×30 = 18000 sq. km.
The estimation on the population size is also appears to be exaggerated and we have data based on our bird surveys and could work out a more realistic estimate on the population size of Nilgiri Flycatcher for Kerala..
I think the range as indicated in the map may be exaggerated. Since the flycatcher is only found at higher altitudes, the actual range for the bird may be much smaller than indicated. The bird’s habitat is also fragmented with human habitations, plantations natural grasslands etc. Again, the bird’s population may not be that high. Considering all this, down-listing the species without further studies and taking into account ground realities may be unwarranted and risky.
Santharam
I think the map should be corrected by identifying the habitat of this species in respective sub-clusters. The bird occurs in the following sub-clusters – Agasthyamalai, Periyar, Anamalai, Nilgiris, Talacauvery & Kudremukh – but does not occur in the intervening areas – hence, EOO should be drawn within these sub-clusters avoiding large regions of unsuitable habitats. Once this is drawn, we have to see if the total area falls within 20000km2. Though there has been sporadic reports from lower altitudes, these are probably strays from higher altitudes and does not occur regularly or breed – these areas will get eliminated once the map of EOO is drawn with sub-clusters in mind.
Apart from distribution, there is not much new information on population size or trends. However, the threats are similar to other high altitude endemics and conversion of high altitude habitats to cultivated landscapes or habitation has to be closely watched.
I will attempt to create such a map before the deadline and post for comments.