Following information received during the Forum consultation, in July 2022 the distribution range map of Bay-capped Wren-spinetail has been updated:
Bay-capped Wren-spinetail (Spartonoica maluroides): Revise global status?
Bay-capped Wren-spinetail (Spartonoica maluroides): Revise global status?
This species is migratory, in winter many individuals migrate north. So its geographic breeding range is probably not as wide as proposed. In addition, the habitat requirements for reproduction mean that very few places are suitable throughout its distribution range.
In addition, for 10 years there has been a new threat to the species: wind farms. Although there are no published studies (due to data confidentiality issues with energy companies), we have received reports of four independent mortality events in wind farms and 1 in high-voltage lines.
I agree with Pablo that breeding range is likely much more restricted than suggested by the distribution map. This species is described by Cardoni et al. (2012) as “the most specialized and threatened bird inhabiting Spartina-dominated saltmarshes in southeastern South America.” Although it can reach relatively high densities at a very local scale, its habitat is restricted and patchy, and under a lot of pressure from intensification of livestock grazing and other land uses.
This species is listed as LC on the Brazilian National Red List, but only a small percentage of its distribution lies in Brazil and is mostly inside protected areas, notably the Lagoa do Peixe National Park, so the global status should not necessarily align with status in Brazil.
With respect to the specific questions on population size, trend, etc. I don’t know of any recent studies on these questions for this species.
Cardoni et al. 2012. Effects of Cattle Grazing and Fire on the Abundance, Habitat Selection, and Nesting Success of the Bay-Capped Wren-Spinetail (Spartonoica maluroides) in Coastal Saltmarshes of the Pampas Region. Condor 114: 803–811.
Dear colleagues,
Our experience in southern Brazil, suggests that Spartonoica breeds only in coastal salt marshes, most of which are threatened by agribusiness expansion and urbanisation. Windfarms are also a problem, and in the last decade two large windfarms were established in areas of confirmed presence of this species.
Best,
Giovanni N. Maurício
We at Aves Argentinas suggest this proposed re-categorization should be reviewed. Argentina hosts the largest global population, where the greatest grassland transformation process in the Pampas biome is taking place.
In the coming days we will be able to contribute with information to assist the decision-making process to update its category.
Many thanks to everyone who has contributed to this discussion. We greatly appreciate the time and effort invested in commenting. The window for consultation is now closed and we are unable to accept any more comments until 18 July 2022. We will now analyse and interpret the new information, and we will post a preliminary decision on this species’ Red List status on this page on 18 July 2022, when discussions will re-open.
Preliminary proposal
Based on new information submitted here and on observational records from GBIF.org, the distribution range map has been updated as shown above, with the northern part of the distribution range changed to non-breeding occurrence only. Calculated from a minimum convex polygon around the resident range, the EOO has been revised to 902,000 km2. We would greatly appreciate additional comments on the species’ distribution that could allow us to refine the range map further. New information regarding the threat posed by wind farms has been incorporated into the factsheet.
The species’ Red List assessment is not affected by this new information however. There is no evidence of population declines approaching or exceeding 30% over ten years, or of a population size of less than 10,000 mature individuals. Any information on the population size and/or trend that would allow us to update the data presented in Annex 1 and subsequently revise the assessment in Annex 2 would be highly welcomed.
Based on currently available information, our preliminary proposal for the 2022.2 Red List would be to adopt the proposed classifications outlined in the initial forum discussion.
There is now a period for further comments until the final deadline on 24 July 2022, after which the recommended categorisations will be put forward to IUCN. The final 2022.2 Red List categories will be published on the BirdLife and IUCN websites in December 2022, following further checking of information relevant to the assessments by both BirdLife and IUCN.
Many thanks to everyone who has contributed to this discussion. We greatly appreciate the time and effort invested in commenting. The window for consultation is now closed and we are unable to accept any more comments. We will post a final decision on this species’ Red List status on this page on 1 August 2022.
Recommended categorisation to be put forward to IUCN
The final categorisation for this species has not changed. Bay-capped Wren-spinetail is recommended to be listed as Least Concern.
Many thanks for everyone who contributed to the 2022.2 GTB Forum process. The final 2022.2 Red List categories will be published on the BirdLife and IUCN websites in December 2022, following further checking of information relevant to the assessments by both BirdLife and IUCN.