One thought on “Cuban Solitaire (Myadestes elisabeth)”
I consider the proposal to be inappropriate. As is evident from the data provided, there is little information about this species in the wild. The fact that it is only known from two populations—one in the eastern part of the island and the other in the west, both in very specific habitats—raises concerns, especially since these habitats are being significantly reduced due to indiscriminate logging and consequent habitat loss, along with pressures from persecution by “birdtrappers” who sell the birds at high prices to be kept as pets due to their beautiful song.
I have witnessed the population decline in western Cuba due to habitat loss, and although it remains relatively common in specific localities, it does not have a uniform distribution, but rather a patchy one, depending on habitat availability and nesting sites. It is worth noting that this species once inhabited the Isla de la Juventud and is now considered extinct there due to the same habitat loss processes, which serves as a warning for what could happen to the remaining populations.
Therefore, I suggest maintaining the NT (Near Threatened) status, considering that this will serve as a safeguard for the species in conservation programs, as well as in strategies to combat illegal birdtrapping and trafficking. I also recommend considering the most up-to-date reference on its status in Cuba, Annotated Checklist of the Birds of Cuba, 8, 2024 (Navarro Pacheco, N, 2024). https://www.researchgate.net/publication/389174939_ANNOTATED_CHECKLIST_OF_THE_BIRDS_OF_CUBA_2025_Number_8
I consider the proposal to be inappropriate. As is evident from the data provided, there is little information about this species in the wild. The fact that it is only known from two populations—one in the eastern part of the island and the other in the west, both in very specific habitats—raises concerns, especially since these habitats are being significantly reduced due to indiscriminate logging and consequent habitat loss, along with pressures from persecution by “birdtrappers” who sell the birds at high prices to be kept as pets due to their beautiful song.
I have witnessed the population decline in western Cuba due to habitat loss, and although it remains relatively common in specific localities, it does not have a uniform distribution, but rather a patchy one, depending on habitat availability and nesting sites. It is worth noting that this species once inhabited the Isla de la Juventud and is now considered extinct there due to the same habitat loss processes, which serves as a warning for what could happen to the remaining populations.
Therefore, I suggest maintaining the NT (Near Threatened) status, considering that this will serve as a safeguard for the species in conservation programs, as well as in strategies to combat illegal birdtrapping and trafficking. I also recommend considering the most up-to-date reference on its status in Cuba, Annotated Checklist of the Birds of Cuba, 8, 2024 (Navarro Pacheco, N, 2024).
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/389174939_ANNOTATED_CHECKLIST_OF_THE_BIRDS_OF_CUBA_2025_Number_8