Summary Restricted to the dry habitats of Southeast Asia, the Endangered Green Peafowl Pavo muticus has seen a decline due to hunting and habitat loss, with only a few major strongholds remaining in the region. However, in rural Myanmar, the species is also found in small populations inhabiting fragmented habitats, both protected and unprotected, and the surrounding agricultural landscape, which are scarcely monitored or protected despite their potential importance for the species’ conservation. Here, we first estimate the species’ population inhabiting the surrounding area of the newly established Indawgyi Biosphere Reserve. Using Distance sampling, with 188 independent detections collected along seven transects (14 km in total) surveyed multiple times (total walking effort 182 km), we estimated a population density ranging between 0.51 (95% CI=0.31-0.82) and 0.68 (95% CI=0.47-0.97) calling males per km 2 in two different spatial subsets of the transects based on spatial distribution. Second, using an infinite-weight logistic regression model, we predicted the extent of suitable habitat in the northern part of the reserve to be only 3.22 km 2 , occurring in very small patches. The estimated population density in the area is particularly low, perhaps due to the low level of protection it faces by falling outside the boundaries of the Biosphere Reserve and the fact that the inhabited habitat is sub-optimal for the species, comprising open woodland, grassland and rice fields. However, the sites surveyed around the Indawgyi Biosphere Reserve remain important for the long-term conservation of this Endangered species, as they border protected natural habitat and may receive some level of management. These areas could ultimately be incorporated into the Reserve’s buffer area and formally included in its management plan.
Summary Climate change driven by human activity has emerged as a determinant factor in the acceleration of global biodiversity loss, with bird species among the most impacted vertebrate groups. Parrots (family Psittacidae) are particularly vulnerable due to their specialised habitats, strong dependence on forested ecosystems, and additional pressures such as illegal wildlife trade and hunting. This review assesses the current scientific understanding of how climate change affects the biodiversity, distribution, physiology, and conservation status of Psittacidae worldwide. An extensive literature search was conducted covering publications from 2000 to 2022 to synthesise key findings on habitat loss, changing climatic patterns, morphological adaptations, and species resilience. Habitat loss was indicated as the predominant threat, compounded by climate-induced alterations in breeding and foraging behaviours. The review emphasises the need for integrated conservation actions, including habitat restoration, ecological corridors, and community involvement. By identifying research gaps and future directions, this paper contributes to strengthening global strategies for Psittacidae conservation under climate change scenarios.
Subspecies classification plays a critical role in understanding evolutionary processes and informing conservation strategies. In the western Mediterranean, the European Turtle-dove Streptopelia turtur is traditionally divided into two subspecies: S. t. turtur, which breeds across most of Europe, and S. t. arenicola, which occurs in North Africa and parts of southern Europe. However, the validity of this subspecific distinction remains controversial. Here, we test the validity of this classification by integrating morphometric and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) from populations sampled across their breeding ranges, including mainland Europe, UK, North Africa, and the Canary and Balearic Islands (Spain). Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA) revealed no statistically significant morphometric differences between subspecies, with a strong overlap in key traits such as wing, tail, and tarsus length. Mitochondrial haplotypes formed a star-like network with no geographical structuring or lineage exclusivity. AMOVA and pairwise Fst analyses showed no genetic differentiation between subspecies, and variation was greater within S. t. turtur populations than between previously proposed subspecies. Our findings suggest that the current subspecific classification of European Turtle-dove may not be supported by genetic or morphometric evidence. Instead, the observed homogeneity could be attributed to on-going gene flow facilitated by dispersal during migration or a relatively recent shared evolutionary history. These results have important implications for the conservation management of western Mediterranean breeding populations, particularly in relation to hunting regulations. We advocate for an integrative approach using genomic and ecological data to reassess subspecies boundaries in S. turtur and ensure evidence-based conservation strategies.
Data on species’ demography are essential to detect changes in population size, identify drivers of population change, motivate conservation plans, or evaluate the effectiveness of management. The Arctic Skua Stercorarius parasiticus is a seabird with a circumpolar distribution, which is listed as “Endangered” on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) European Red List, although listed as “Least Concern” globally. It is both a predator and a kleptoparasite reliant on marine and terrestrial prey, and undertakes migrations from northern breeding habitats to temperate and tropical marine environments. Most studies of breeding populations originate from North Atlantic populations where Arctic Skuas are primarily kleptoparasitic. However, a large proportion of the global breeding population occupies remote coastal and inland tundra of Arctic regions where Arctic Skuas are more generalist in foraging modality and the range of prey taken. Here, we collated and summed national/regional population estimates to provide an updated global estimate of breeding population size and trends. We reviewed drivers of population change and knowledge gaps, and their implications for the conservation of this species. We estimated a minimum breeding population of 185,131–395,315 pairs combining Alaska, Canada, Greenland, and Europe; we extrapolated that at least 40,000 pairs could be found in Asian Russia, where no estimates were available. We noted differential trends, with substantial declines in typically kleptoparasitic populations of the North Atlantic where data quality was higher, whereas for populations in the Nearctic, trend data were scarce and geographically restricted. Various threats were identified as potential drivers of population change, including bottom-up processes, fisheries, heat stress, and interspecific competition/predation. Given the large uncertainty around abundance and population trends for much of the Arctic Skua’s range, the current global conservation status of Least Concern may be better designated as “Data Deficient”, and we encourage the implementation of a range of approaches to improve monitoring of population trends and demography globally.
Assessing changes in species trophic ecology over a large timescale is essential not only to measure how anthropogenic impacts modify ecological processes but also to measure the effectiveness of wildlife conservation actions. The North Island (NI) and South Island (SI) Saddlebacks, or t & imacr;eke, Philesturnus rufusater and P. carunculatus, respectively, are two of the species undergoing the most effective conservation actions in Aotearoa New Zealand after large-scale management of introduced mammals and successful translocation of individuals. Here we used stable isotope analysis of carbon and nitrogen to determine isotopic niche metrics and assess whether the trophic ecologies of NI and SI saddlebacks differ over time. We sampled contour feathers from 33 NI saddleback (spanning 1880-2011) and 36 SI saddleback (spanning 1826-2012) specimens, dividing them into three temporal groups for analysis, i.e. historical, bottleneck, and post-translocation periods. The isotopic niche widths of both saddleback species differed significantly between the temporal groups, with different trends for each species. The NI saddleback showed an expansion in the post-translocation period niche width, indicating this species was probably on the verge of complete collapse after the intensification of anthropogenic impacts in New Zealand. In contrast, the SI saddleback showed a contraction in the post-translocation period niche width, which may reflect a less diverse habitat in terms of food resources. This demonstrates that conservation measures, although successful in terms of population re-establishment, could not completely restore the historical trophic niche of this endangered species. Additionally, SI saddlebacks had higher stable isotope values than NI saddlebacks, suggesting that the two species differ in their trophic ecology. We demonstrated that ecological metrics of successful conservation actions can also be measured through stable isotope analysis of museum specimens, in addition to providing information that supplements current knowledge of the species.
The current biodiversity crisis makes ecological restoration increasingly important. Psittaciformes is one of the most threatened avian orders and the illegal wildlife trade is a leading threat. This threat, coupled with the presence of thousands of confiscated parrots from the trade, provide a mixture of challenges and opportunities. Unfortunately, release of wildlife from the trade can be technically challenging as many lack the basic skills needed to survive in the wild. In addition, most of the documented releases of confiscated parrots have had relatively low success rates, suggesting a need for innovative release techniques. Free-flight training was developed by parrot owners to fly hand-raised parrots outdoors. In this study, we use free flight training to raise and release 18 fledging-aged, Yellow-crowned Amazons Amazona ochrocephala to test if free-flight training can provide young psittacines with the necessary skills to survive in the wild. We also used intense community engagement to encourage local support. Upon release, 100% of birds used project feeders, 100% showed good flock cohesion, and 94% showed good site fidelity. At one month post release 94% of the birds were still returning to the feeders with 89% at three months and 72% at one year. Two birds were recaptured and the final fate of four are unknown. Predators were scarce and no attacks or predation events were witnessed, but birds showed appropriate reactions to predators, and there was no direct evidence of predation. The community outreach was also successful as information from local people helped recover two birds and reduce negative interactions with locals. This research joins the body of evidence that young parrots trained using free-flight techniques have high site fidelity, group cohesion, and survival rates. This suggests that free-flight training is effective for reintroducing young parrots, especially when trying to establish core flocks at new release sites.
The Black-fronted Piping-Guan Pipile jacutinga is an important seed disperser in the Atlantic Forest of Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay but has been extirpated from several regions within its original range. Identifying key areas with a high probability of species presence is essential for guiding conservation actions, such as reintroductions. Our goal was to update the potential distribution of the Black-fronted Piping-Guan and identify environmentally suitable areas for reintroduction. We used secondary data (2009-2021) from literature sources and researchers (N = 64), as well as from citizen science platforms (N = 143), along with eight environmental variables (e.g. topographic, vegetation). We applied the maxent algorithm to build a Species Distribution Model (SDM). We identified suitable areas exceeding a minimum size threshold of 208 km & sup2;, calculated by combining the average population density (1.51 individuals/km & sup2;) with the estimated minimum population size needed to maintain long-term viability. The SDM performed well statistically (AUC = 0.973 +/- 0.006; TSS = 0.876 +/- 0.071), indicating 73,802 km & sup2; as suitable for the species, primarily in two regions, i.e. Serra do Mar and Misiones. This area represents only 6.9% of the species' original distribution. We identified 15 suitable areas larger than the minimum threshold, nine of which have no recent records of the species but are near forested areas where the species still occurs. Together, these areas cover 53,435 km & sup2;, with 33.4% (17,838 km & sup2;) under protection. Suitable areas without recent Black-fronted Piping-Guan records may be considered potential reintroduction sites, although local factors such as hunting pressure and resource availability should be assessed to confirm their short-, medium-, and long-term viability. The SDM and identified suitable areas should be integrated into conservation planning for the species, providing strategic guidance for its reintroduction and long-term persistence.
Identifying areas with a high risk of collision with wind turbines is crucial for the conservation of large soaring birds. However, studies often rely on different wind turbine data sources, and the effect of this heterogeneity on collision risk estimation remains poorly understood. To address this gap, we combined GPS and accelerometer data from six Griffon Vultures Gyps fulvus tracked in Sardinia (Italy) with three wind turbine data sets differing in accuracy and completeness. We estimated the vultures' foraging grounds and calculated collision risk using each data set, including one based on aerial imagery (unbiased), one from OpenStreetMap (OSM), and a third from published literature. Results showed that turbines mapped from aerial imagery overlapped with 18.7% of foraging areas, compared with 8.7% using OSM and 15.9% using the third data set. Projections including planned wind farms indicated that 31.4% of current foraging grounds will become at risk. These findings demonstrate that wind turbine data sources significantly influence estimates of collision risk. The need for reliable, accessible, and regularly updated turbine maps to support effective conservation planning, guide mitigation actions such as selective shutdowns, and monitor cumulative impacts over time are highlighted.
The Pampas Meadowlark Leistes defilippii is a grassland specialist endemic to south-eastern South America, currently listed as 'Vulnerable' at the global level. However, available information on its distribution and population size is outdated or inaccurate, underestimating its risk of extinction. This study provides the most comprehensive reassessment of the species' conservation status to date. Estimates of population size, Extent of Occurrence (EOO), and Area of Occupancy (AOO) are updated. The species' status is evaluated using both the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List and the Green Status frameworks. Results indicate an alarming decline in population size of over 80% across the last three generations. The current population is estimated to be between 1,460 and 2,057 individuals, with 90% concentrated in a single subpopulation in Argentina. The EOO has shrunk by 92% compared with previous estimates, and the AOO is now only 8% of the EOO. The species meets the thresholds for the IUCN 'Critically Endangered' category under criteria A and C. The Green Status assessment identifies the species as 'Critically Depleted', with a Species Recovery Score of 4% and a Conservation Gain of only 2%, highlighting its limited recovery potential even under current conservation scenarios. Our findings indicate that the Pampas Meadowlark is in critical condition and urgently requires an update in its status on the IUCN Red List. Immediate conservation actions are needed, including habitat protection and restoration, long-term monitoring, and the establishment of protected areas within its remaining range. This case exemplifies the need for up-to-date data in guiding effective conservation responses for threatened grassland species in South America. This reassessment underscores the urgent need to reassess the species' global status and to invest in ambitious conservation strategies to prevent its extinction.
Grey Parrots Psittacus erithacus historically have inhabited lowland rainforest, freshwater swamp, mangrove, and wooded savanna across West and Central Africa. Overexploitation for the pet trade and habitat loss have caused significant population declines, leading to their Endangered status on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. However, recent systematic assessments of their conservation status and threats are lacking across significant parts of their range. Between 2018 and 2019, we combined observational surveys along line transects with questionnaires for local residents to explore the distribution, population trends, and threats to Grey Parrots in 28 sites located across the species' assumed range in Nigeria. During the transect surveys, 253 groups of Grey Parrots were encountered at 19 sites. Of the 228 local residents that were interviewed, over two thirds reported that populations have declined over the last 20 years but reported that declines varied between regions. The prevalence of threats including hunting, poaching of chicks, capture of adults, and logging also varied between regions. Although regions with robust populations had relatively low threat levels, site-level analyses showed no strong link between threat prevalence and population status. Counts at multiple overnight communal roosts also indicated declines. Seasonal variation in local abundance varied between coastal mangrove and inland forest areas suggesting seasonal movements within Nigeria, highlighting the need for a landscape-scale approach to conservation. The study identified key populations and threats as well as baseline data on abundance, providing a basis for the development and implementation of targeted conservation actions and monitoring of Grey Parrots in Nigeria.
Bird species occupying open habitats are subject to constant changes in habitat suitability and availability related to forest colonisation and the frequency of disturbance re-opening their habitats. The Laniidae family is made of open habitat specialists with five out of the six species of shrikes occurring in Europe rapidly declining. Here we quantified the probability of occupancy of the Iberian Grey Shrike Lanius meridionalis (Vulnerable), an endemic of Mediterranean open habitats, based on multiple-season monitoring data and allowing for imperfect detection. This scheme was carried out by a network of amateur ornithologists every other year from 2013 to 2023 in 213 +/- 38 25-ha plots composed of a priori suitable scrubland on the edge of the species distribution in south-eastern France. The probability of detection averaged 0.52 +/- 0.03 highlighting the relevance of a multiple-season design for this shy passerine species. The probability of occupancy averaged 0.35 +/- 0.02 and only varied slightly between years (between 0.23 +/- 0.04 and 0.41 +/- 0.07) suggesting a stable population in scrubland over a decade. Shrike occupancy increased with increasing potential solar irradiation received at ground level, a proxy for arthropod prey abundance, and this effect was amplified in plots subject to recent fire. For a plot exposed to median solar irradiation, predicted shrike occupancy averaged 0.26 +/- 0.07, 0.44 +/- 0.08, and 0.52 +/- 0.08 in plots subject to a fire 55 years, 24 years, and 11 years respectively before the survey, (i.e. 10th-50th-90th percentiles, respectively). We also found that increasing distance from human infrastructures increased shrike occupancy. Overall, our results revealed the potential factors responsible for habitat loss in a Vulnerable, open-habitat specialist bird. Secretive species like the Iberian Grey Shrike would benefit from natural habitats kept free from scattered human infrastructures and where natural processes like fire are maintained.
Psittacidae birds are heavily targeted by the illegal pet trade worldwide. Understanding local patterns of such exploitation will help decision-makers elaborate effective conservation strategies. Thus, here we analysed admissions data for 2016-2024 from Brazilian governmental agencies for Tangara Wildlife Rescue Centre in Pernambuco, Northeast Brazil to elucidate the patterns of entry of poached Blue-fronted Parrots Amazona aestiva. In addition to Blue-fronted Parrots, six other parrot species also entered the centre. Nevertheless, 78% were Blue-fronted Parrots seized in 95 municipalities distributed across 11 states in Brazil. There are four main categories of arrival at the rescue centre - seizures, voluntary surrender, rescue, and transfers - of which the first two are the most frequent. Mortality rates correlated with rates of arrival from voluntary surrender and seizures. The number of adults entering the centre varied annually, while the number of chicks changed between months, with peak arrivals in October. Species preference seems to drive the parrot trade in the region. Recommendations include implementing environmental education and media campaigns, enhancing inspection efforts, improving data management in rescue centres, and establishing protected areas to reduce the number of poached animals and enhance the effectiveness of the Blue-fronted Parrot reintroduction programme in the region.
The globally Endangered Giant Nuthatch Sitta magna remains poorly studied, with key factors affecting its reproductive success remaining largely unknown. With forest loss as the primary threat to Giant Nuthatch, urgent action is needed to find possible avenues for habitat restoration. Here we investigated nesting survival and nest-site and nest-cavity characteristics at a site supporting the largest known global subpopulation in a 62 km(2) landscape dominated by mature Pinus kesiya restoration plantings, a potential additional habitat for Giant Nuthatch in northern Thailand. Over three breeding seasons (2022-2024), we monitored 31 nests with 16 nests in plantation interiors and 15 nests in plantations close to villages and agricultural lands. The nesting period lasted about 43 days, with 11-15 days of incubation and 25-28 days with nestlings. We found that Giant Nuthatch primarily relied on available natural cavities, with an overall nesting success of similar to 25% (0.9686 +/- 0.0079 [SE] daily survival rate). Daily survival rates were negatively affected by rainfall during cooler periods, while nests located in larger trees with a higher percentage of crown connectedness were associated with higher daily survival, likely due to better protection from severe weather conditions, such as rain combined with cooler temperatures. No significant differences were detected in daily survival between interior and edge nests, possibly reflecting lower abundance and diversity of nest predators in the more disturbed edge habitat. Although no strong preferences for specific cavity or nest-site characteristics were observed, nests tended to occur in cavities with greater horizontal depth and in flatter areas with a more open canopy. Our study represents the most comprehensive assessment of Giant Nuthatch nesting ecology, highlighting mature pine plantations as potential nesting habitat. These findings suggest that incorporating such plantations into conservation strategies may help sustain population viability, though further research is required on their long-term effectiveness.
The Upland Goose Chloephaga picta is a migratory species, with breeding grounds in the grassy wetlands of Patagonia and most of whose wintering grounds are located in cultivated areas of the Argentine Pampas region. Knowing geese food preferences is key, not only for ecological implications but also for their conservation, since the use of cultivated resources has been the cause of the conflict that led to their population decline in the last century. The aim of this study was to describe and compare the botanical composition of the diet of the Upland Geese between breeding and non-breeding seasons, and to evaluate plant group dietary preferences based on environmental availability. Microhistological analysis of faeces was carried out and the contribution of three plant groups to the diet (i.e. grasses, eudicots, and graminoids) was quantified. Eighteen plant species were identified. The diet was dominated by native grasses (Distichlis spp., Hordeum spp., and Bromus setifolius) and graminoids (Eleocharis spp.), with minor contributions of eudicots such as Nitrophila australis and Trifolium repens. A high degree of overlap was found between the breeding and non-breeding seasons (98%), indicating similar diets. Regarding the selection of plant groups, a significant selection of graminoids was observed in both seasons, followed by grasses, indifference to eudicots, and rejection for shrubs. The high proportion of native species used compared with cultivated species (60% vs 10%) underscores the importance of natural habitats with native vegetation. This area appears to be beneficial, as it provides valuable and strategic year-round trophic resources, potentially helping to avoid long migrations. It also underscores the need for further studies on population fluctuations, habitat use, and the detection of potential threats.
Long-distance migratory birds rely on pre-migratory fuelling to complete extensive flights. Global change and invasive species may threaten food resources critical for this process. The Bristle-thighed Curlew Numenius tahitiensis breeds in Alaska and winters across Pacific islands. Its population in French Polynesia has halved in the past two decades, raising conservation concerns. Introduced Pacific rats Rattus exulans are suspected to deplete terrestrial food resources on atolls, potentially impacting curlew fuelling. This study characterises the diet of Bristle-thighed Curlews during April, their pre-migratory fuelling period, using DNA metabarcoding of 61 faeces collected across rat-infested and rat-free islands in the Tuamotu Archipelago - of which 38 provided dietary data. Several molecular operational taxonomic units (MOTUs) were identified, covering arthropods, annelids, nemerteans, molluscs, reptiles, and plants. The curlew's diet was dominated by crabs (45.8% MOTUs, 66.1% reads), particularly Pachygrapsus fakaravensis and Grapsus albolineatus, followed by insects (35.8% MOTUs, 11.5% reads), notably Pycnoscelus cockroaches. Plant material, mainly from coconut trees, represented 17.4% of reads. The diet was significantly more diverse on rat-infested islands, with higher MOTU richness and a predominance of crabs (73.7% reads). In contrast, rat-free islands showed a more balanced intake among crabs, insects, and plants. Rat presence shifts dietary diversity and composition, possibly by altering prey availability. Despite greater diversity on rat-infested islands, optimal fuelling appears to be associated with abundant crabs and insects on rat-free islands. Findings highlight the importance of managing invasive rats to maintain key food resources for this Endangered migratory bird. Further research on prey availability and nutritional quality across islands is recommended to inform conservation strategies.
Understanding the causes and drivers of extinction is critical for mitigating future anthropogenic extinctions. This study explored the extinction process of the Crested Ibis Nipponia nippon in Japan, focusing on the last wild population on Sado Island. An integrated population model-population viability analysis (IPM-PVA) framework was applied to estimate demographic parameters and population dynamics using four historical data sources, i.e. population counts, records of dead or rescued individuals, reproductive data, and captures for captive breeding. The IPM estimated an average of 0.703 fledglings per breeding pair per season, with adult and juvenile survival rates of 0.870 and 0.730, respectively. Human disturbances were found to substantially reduce fecundity. PVA results indicated an extinction probability of 56.6% under observed historical conditions, which could have been reduced to 11.2% if human access to nesting forests had been restricted. The study identified low fecundity caused by human disturbance at nest-sites as a likely contributor to the species' extinction. Despite the need for cautious interpretation due to data limitations, this study highlights the practical utility of the IPM-PVA framework in providing detailed insights into the extinction process.
The determinants of nest-site selection and nest success are important for conservation planning for endangered birds. Here we examine factors driving nest-site selection and success for the Mariana Crow Corvus kubaryi, also known as the & Aring;ga, across the entire range of the population, by comparing 370 nests that were found during surveys (2014-2021) against random points sampled from all forested areas on the island. Nest-sites were more likely to have high canopy cover than random points, while proximity to human infrastructure (e.g. roads, buildings) did not impact nest-site selection. None of our tested covariates impacted nest success, nor did the land-cover type in which the nests were found. Our results suggest that the & Aring;ga is able to nest successfully in close proximity to humans, and that nest success is not negatively affected by current land-use practices. Future research on the low nest success rate (23.9%) would be most fruitfully targeted towards local biotic stressors, such as nest predation or environmental factors, which may exacerbate the unknown inflammatory disease that afflicts many wild nestlings.
National and continental-scale bird monitoring schemes, such as the Pan-European Common Bird Monitoring Scheme (PECBMS), are essential for tracking bird population trends across broad spatial scales. However, while these frameworks provide invaluable data for population monitoring, they may be less accurate in estimating species densities at small spatial scales, particularly for habitat-specialist species like the Red-backed Shrike Lanius collurio. This species is listed in Annex I of the EU Birds Directive, and its effective monitoring is a legal conservation obligation for EU Member States under the Natura 2000 framework. Ensuring accurate data on its population status is therefore critical for meeting international biodiversity targets. To evaluate this limitation, we compared density estimates from the Common Breeding Birds Survey (MPPL) with those obtained from intensive, targeted surveys across 53 study plots, each covering an area of 1 km & sup2;, in eastern Poland. Although density estimates from MPPL and the targeted field study were correlated, a deeper analysis revealed that MPPL (2.1 individuals/km & sup2;) consistently underestimated densities recorded during targeted surveys (3.9 breeding pairs/km & sup2;). Using Generalised Linear Models (GLMs), we explored the habitat characteristics that may contribute to these discrepancies. Only two predictors, i.e. the proportion of buffer zones around arable fields and around mixed crops, were significantly associated with underestimation. In both cases, a higher share of buffer zones led to a greater difference between MPPL and targeted estimates, indicating that landscape structure influences detectability. Differences in survey timing between the two approaches, with MPPL visits conducted earlier in the breeding season, coupled with species-specific breeding behaviours (including peak activity later in the breeding season) may have influenced these differences. This study highlights that although bird surveys are an indispensable tool for analysing trends and comparing densities between surfaces over large spatial domains, their usefulness for studies at small spatial scales may be limited.
Green Peafowl Pavo muticus, a dry forest specialist, has experienced declines across its range in mainland South-East Asia due to habitat degradation, habitat loss, and hunting. In Thailand, the species' remaining habitats have been grouped into four strongholds where long-term viable populations are thought to persist. For two of these strongholds, extensive population estimates are available, but for the other two (north-western and eastern Thailand), only a single site-based estimate currently exists. To address the gap, additional density estimates were derived from distance sampling in OpLuang National Park (north-western stronghold) and the Phnom Dangrek Range (north-eastern stronghold). Remaining suitable habitats were identified using a Generalised Linear Model (GLM) and the threats these populations face were assessed. In the north-western stronghold, density was estimated at 0.51 calling birds/km2 in OpLuang National Park, with suitable habitat covering 7,197 km2 (2,657 km2 within protected areas) and deforestation totalling 1,374 km2 (963 km2 consecutive hotspots, 377 km2 sporadic hotspots, and 34 km2 new hotspots). In the north-eastern stronghold, density was estimated at 0.93 calling birds/km2 in three of six protected areas across the Phnom Dangrek Range, with suitable habitat covering 9,917 km2 (3,518 km2 within protected areas) and deforestation totalling 3,407 km2 (1,954 km2 consecutive hotspots, 1,142 km2 sporadic hotspots, 309 km2 new hotspots, and 2 km2 persistent hotspots). Our results confirm the importance of both strongholds for the long-term survival of the species. However, they also highlight the need for improved management to systematically monitor larger portions of suitable habitat, enhance population growth, and mitigate threats from deforestation, fire, and hunting by feral dogs.
Survival is a key life history trait influenced by climate variability and resource availability in many bird species. Understanding the factors affecting survival in threatened species is critical for effective conservation management. However, we lack knowledge regarding survival rates and their annual variations for most threatened species. In this study, we use mark-recapture data collected in eastern Spain between 2011 and 2019 to estimate the annual adult survival of the Endangered Dupont's Lark Chersophilus duponti, a steppe specialist passerine. We also aim to assess whether survival rates are linked to plant productivity, as a surrogate of resources available, and climate variability during the post-breeding (autumn) and winter periods. A total of 113 adults (89 males and 24 females) were ringed, which yielded 43 recaptures. The average adult survival rate over the nine-year period was slightly higher than previous estimates for Dupont's Lark and other related species. Nonetheless, we observed substantial annual fluctuations in survival (ranging from 0.34 to 0.80), largely driven by winter climate conditions. Survival rates decreased during winters with a higher number of frost days (below 0 degrees C) and increased accumulated rainfall. These findings provide new insights into the population dynamics of the species and suggest that factors other than adult annual survival may be contributing to its declining status. Among those factors, a critical area for further research is to study and characterise the dispersal patterns and survival of juvenile birds, which remain largely unknown for this species.
