To suggest a reassessment of a species that is currently not under active discussion on the Forums, please use the Comment box below.
To suggest a reassessment of a species that is currently not under active discussion on the Forums, please use the Comment box below.
The Palm-nut Vulture Gypohierax angolensis was last assessed in 2016 and is currently considered as a species of Least Concern, but with an unknown status pertaining to potential rates of decline (Birdlife International 2016). Indeed it seems that this species has been largely overlooked for various reasons and may not be as impervious to incipient threats as appears to be commonly believed (Goodwin 2023). It is well established is that the Palm-nut Vulture is widely collected for traditional purposes in both Central and West Africa. Whilst the Hooded Vulture Necrosyrtes monachus has historically been the most common vulture species noted in Nigerian fetish markets, Palm-nut Vulture body parts have also been found for sale at a similar price to those of that species (Nikolaus 2001; Saidu & Buij 2013). Recent increases in prices for vulture parts in general now appear to reflect lower availability in relation to demand (Saidu & Buij 2013). Relatively common raptors such as the Yellow-billed Kite Milvus aegyptius are now increasingly collected as a substitute for vulture species, which are no longer readily available (Richards et al. 2017). With the reduction in numbers of other target vulture species across Africa, it is thus likely that Palm-nut Vultures are indeed facing increasing pressure in this regard, particularly in West and Central Africa. This species was also the most common raptor detected in bush meat surveys in the Ebo Forest, Cameroon (Whytock et al. 2016). It has also been recorded in several previous surveys carried out in Cameroon and elsewhere (Fa & García Yuste 2001; Fa et al. 2006; Willcox & Nambu 2007). These results suggest that populations of this species may well be experiencing unsustainable levels of hunting pressure (Whytock et al. 2016). A recent paper by Williams et al. (2025) detailing vulture declines in Plateau State, Nigeria between 2017 – 2024 reports that no Palm-nut vultures were recorded in recent years, despite extra observation effort. This suggests that this species should at least be ‘on the radar’ and that a revision of status to Near Threatened may be warranted.
References
Birdlife International. 2016. Gypohierax angolensis. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016:
http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T22695170A93494015.en.
Fa, J.E. & García Yuste, J.E. 2001. Commercial bushmeat hunting in the Monte Mitra forests, Equatorial Guinea: extent and impact. Animal Biodiversity and Conservation 24: 31–52.
Fa, J.E., Seymoura, S., Dupain, J., Aminc, R., Albrechtsend, L. & Macdonald, D. 2006. Getting to grips with the magnitude of exploitation: bushmeat in the Cross–Sanaga rivers region, Nigeria and Cameroon. Biological Conservation 129: 497–510.
Goodwin, W. 2023. The Palm-nut Vulture: misconceptions and conservation concerns. Vulture News 85: 38-42
Nikolaus, G. 2001. Bird exploitation for traditional medicine in Nigeria. Malimbus 23: 45-55.
Richards, N.L., Ogada, D., Buij, R. & Botha, A. 2017. The Killing Fields: The Use of Pesticides and Other Contaminants to Poison Wildlife in Africa. In book: Reference Module in Earth Systems and Environmental Sciences. Elsevier Inc.
Saidu, Y. & Buij, R. 2013. Traditional medicine trade in vulture parts in northern Nigeria. Vulture News 65: 4–14.
Whytock, R.C., Buij, R.,Virani, M.Z & Morgan, B.J. 2016. Do large birds experience previously undetected levels of hunting pressure in the forests of Central and West Africa? Oryx 50 (1): 76–83.
Willcox, A.S. & Nambu, D.M. 2007. Wildlife hunting practices and bushmeat dynamics of the Banyangi and Mbo people of Southwestern Cameroon. Biological Conservation 134: 251–261.
Williams, M.M., Egwumah, P.O., Orsar, J.T., Iwar, M.I., Ottosson, U. & Tende, T. 2025. Vultures on the Brink of Extirpation: Massive Decline in Plateau State, North-Central Nigeria. Journal of Raptor Research 59 (2): jrr2468 doi: 10.3356/jrr2468
I suggest that you accept the American Ornithological Society’s recognition that the Western Scrub-Jay is not one species but three: California, Woodhouse’s, and Island Scrub-Jay. They currently are lumped under the outdated Western as Least Concern.
Then, you can return Island Scrub-Jay to Vulnerable (which it held in the early 2000s) or whichever status is most appropriate for a species with a very small range and a population estimate of 1,700. See the Partners in Flight database for current population estimates: https://pif.birdconservancy.org/population-estimate-database-scores/
California Scrub-Jay would likely be considered Least Concern, and Woodhouse’s may be as well, though it could be Near Threatened.
An additional reference supporting the proposal already submitted above for review of the status of the Palm-nut Vulture (suggesting revision from Least Concern to Near Threatened). It is becoming increasingly evident that this species is facing threats imposed by the belief-based use of vulture parts and bush meat trade, particularly in West Africa. Of the seven vulture species considered in the attached study, the Hooded Vulture and Palm-nut Vulture were the two most frequently traded species.
https://www.ajol.info/index.php/vulnew/article/view/295529
A 2024 study of trends of African Accipitrids, specifically population trends over three generations revealed that many species of accipitrid have outdated statuses that need to be uplisted accordingly, those being:
Montagu’s harrier, to a higher threat category
A large portion of Montagu’s harriers winter in Africa, including the entire European population. The African population has experienced a decline of 51% and overall Montagu’s harriers appear to be declining in all other parts of their range (Europe, Asia)
Grey kestrel (Falco ardosiaceus) to NT
25% decline, listed as LC presently
Fox kestrel (Falco alopex) to VU
Presently listed as LC, range-wide declines of 29-34.4%, within the threshold of VU
Dark chanting goshawk (Melierax metabates) to VU
Presently listed as LC, range-wide declines of 29-34.4%, within the threshold of VU
Grasshopper buzzard (Butastur rufipennis) to VU
Presently listed as LC, range-wide declines of 29-34.4%, within the threshold of VU
Brown snake eagle (Citcaetus cinereous) to EN
Presently listed as LC, range-wide declines of 52-57% over three generations, within the threshold of VU
African harrier hawk (Poyboroides typus) to EN
Presently listed as LC, range-wide declines of 53-61% over three generations, within the threshold of EN
Scissor tailed kite (Chelictinia riocourii) to EN
Presently listed as VU, approaching the threshold of EN with range-wide decline of 48% over three generations (threshold for EN: 50% decline over 3 generations)
Augur buzzard (Buteo augur) to EN or CR
Presently listed as LC, approaching the threshold of CR with range-wide decline of 78% over three generations (threshold for CR: 80% decline over 3 generations)
Long-crested eagle (Lophaetus occipitalis) to EN to CR
Presently listed as LC, approaching the threshold of CR with range-wide decline of 78% over three generations (threshold for CR: 80% decline over 3 generations)
Wahlberg’s eagle (Hieraeetus Wahlbergii) to EN or CR
Listed as LC presently, 62-81% decline with a median of 74% decline. Lower end qualifies for EN and upper end exceeds threshold for CR
African-hawk eagle (Aquila spilogaster) to CR
Listed as LC presently, 91% decline over three generations, exceeding the threshold needed to be listed as CR
Beaudouin snake eagle (Circaetus beaudouni) to CR
Beaudouin’s snake eagle is listed as vulnerable, however numerous population assessments show that this species is declining at rates that qualify this species to be listed as critically endangered, including declines estimated to approach:
80-85% across a “large area of its range” over much of its range, exceeding the threshold needed for a species to be listed as CR
Martial eagle (Polemaetus bellicosus) to CR
Presently listed as EN, with a decline of 84-93.6%, crossing the threshold for CR in both ends.
Secretarybird (Sagittarius serpentarius) to CR
Presently listed as EN, with a decline of 85% over three generations, crossing the threshold for CR and should be listed accordingly
Lappet faced vulture (Torgos tracheilotos) to CR
Presently listed as EN, with an africa-wide decline of 88-92% over three generations, well exceeding the threshold for CR and should be listed accordingly. The majority of the species’ population inhabits Africa and is unlikely to be compensated for by its small Arab population
Bateleur (Terathopius ecaudatus) to CR
Presently listed as EN, with a decline of 76.9-93% over three generations, approaching the threshold for CR at the lower estimate and exceeding it at its highest estimate
The main study, with all necessary quantified declines over 3 generations. Other species are included that cross the threshold like Eurasian buzzard, black winged kite, and shikra, but those have large ranges outside Africa that can compensate for local declines
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41559-023-02236-0.pdf
Sooty falcon
Currently identified as a declining species there has been significant loss of Red Sea nesting habitat due to island development in ksa and Egypt
In addition coastal areas of Yemen and Sudan have been heavily impacted by unrest and fighting causing loss of nesting areas and disturbance
30 % of Red Sea islands are under development or earmarked for development with significant impact to neat sites
Last year, SEO/BirdLife was commisioned by the Spanish Government to update the conservation status and trends for Spanish populations of breeding birds. I participated in the research team, and after reviewing the most recent data, consulting to national experts and following IUCN standards, we proposed updates on the Spanish Red List Book (published on 2021). These proposals are relevant to global assessments concerning endemics from the Canary Islands. Our proposals were to uplist Columba bolli (LC to NT), Columba junoniae (NT to VU) and Saxicola dacotiae (NT to EN). This last case is quite clear, because recent (2024) comprehensive census have shown a demographic colapse, in relation to previous census from 2005-2006: EN [A2bc, B1b (i, ii, iv, v) c (i, ii, iii, iv)]. More information on this Spanish assessment can be obtained from SEO/BirdLife (Juan Carlos del Moral and Jorge Orueta).
The White-throated Hawk (Buteo albigula) was last assessed in 2018, and is currently considered as a species of Least Concern, with a global population estimated in 600-6,700 mature individuals, and an unknown population trend (Birdlife International 2018). However, this assessment lacks of rigor, since considers the species as “Not a migrant”, with a very large range (EOO of 4,500,000 km²), including mountain forests of Chile, Argentina, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, and Venezuela (BirdLife International 2018). The White-throated Hawk has been known as a migratory species since the 2,000s (Pavez 2000, 2007, Trejo et al. 2007), and several studies have shown that the only breeding grounds are in central and southern Chile (Pavez et al. 2004, Silva et al. 2008, Rivas-Fuenzalida et al. 2013, 2015, 2019, 2026), and in the western Argentine Patagonia (Casas and Gelain 1995, Gelain et al. 2001, Trejo et al. 2004, 2007, Rivas-Fuenzalida et al. 2016, 2026). This species is a full migrant (i.e.: >95% of its global population is migratory, with few individuals remaining in breeding or wintering grounds) (Bechard et al. 2010, Medel et al. 2018, Rivas-Fuenzalida and Quispe-Flores 2021, Rivas-Fuenzalida et al. 2023, 2026). This implies that is a single population that breeds in southern South America and migrates towards the tropical Andes (Rivas-Fuenzalida et al. 2026), with an Area of Occupancy (AOO) in the breeding grounds that covers approximately 165,000 km2 (Rivas-Fuenzalida et al. 2026). In 2022, we identified the main migratory bottleneck for the species in central Chile, where is estimated that at least 84% of the global breeding population passes through (Rivas-Fuenzalida et al. 2023), including the Argentinian population which follows the corridor along the western slopes of the Andes Mountain Range (Bechard et al. 2010, Juhant and Seipke 2010). After three years of counting at this site, and extrapolating presence and abundance data from the Andean Forest (Chile and Argentina) and Chilean Coastal Forests, supported by distribution models by eBird Status and Trends (Fink et al. 2023), records from eBird and our own data on pair densities (Rivas-Fuenzalida et al. 2026), we confirmed that a proportion ≥84% of the global breeding population is in the Andean forests and uses the bottleneck. Considering that at least 2/3 of the observed passage correspond to mature birds, we estimate the global population to be 5,400 to 6,400 mature individuals (Rivas-Fuenzalida et al. 2026), close the previous IUCN maximum estimate of 6,700 mature individuals (Birdlife International 2018). As population trends have not been assessed, the breeding habitat loss can be used as a proxy for population decline. Using data from Global Forest Watch 2025 (based on data from Hansen et al 2013), we determined that the tree cover in the species’ complete mapped breeding range (including Chile and Argentina) has decreased by c. 15% between 2001 and 2024 (Rivas-Fuenzalida et al. 2026). Habitat loss is a continuous and growing threat for the species. Global climate change is linked with recent warming and drying of the Patagonian forests, which, combined with direct human impacts such as the expansion of highly flammable exotic conifer plantations, and other direct actions, are favoring the occurrence of increasingly large and severe fires in the Patagonian forests of Chile and Argentina (Veblen et al. 2011, Iglesias and Whitlock 2014). Furthermore, the species is among the most affected raptors by human persecution related to poultry predation in the Neotropics, being recognized as a priority species for conservation measures to reduce this threat (Rivas-Fuenzalida et al. 2025). Thus, human persecution can increase the population decline over the percent of habitat loss. A new threat for the species is the proliferation of wind farms in both, breeding areas and more importantly, along its migratory routes, which can potentially increase adult and juvenile mortality. These results suggest that populations of this species may be experiencing a continuous population decline, estimated in over 15% in the last 20 years (less than 3 generations or 29.1 years according to Birdlife International 2018).
With a global population of less than 10,000 mature individuals, and a continuous decline of more than 10% in three generations, the species meets the C(1) criteria for Vulnerable status (Rivas-Fuenzalida et al. 2026).
References
Bechard, M. J., L. Sympson, K. L. Bildstein, and D. R. Barber (2010). White-throated Hawk (Buteo albigula): the first transequatorial raptor migrant from South America. Second Conference Bird Migration and Global Change: Movement Ecology and Conservation Strategies: 17.
BirdLife International (2018). Species factsheet: White-throated Hawk Buteo albigula. Downloaded from https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/white-throated-hawk-buteo-albigula 27/01/2026
Casas, A. E., and M. Gelain (1995). Nuevos datos acerca del estatus del aguilucho andino Buteo albigula en la Patagonia argentina. Hornero 14:40-42.
Gelain, M., V. Ojeda, A. Trejo, L. Sympson, G. Amico, and R. Vidal (2001). Nuevos registros de distribución y nidificación del aguilucho andino (Buteo albigula) en la Patagonia argentina. Hornero 16:85-88.
Fink, D., T. Auer, A. Johnston, M. Strimas-Mackey, S. Ligocki, O. Robinson, W. Hochachka, L. Jaromczyk, C. Crowley, K. Dunham, A. Stillman, I. Davies, A. Rodewald, V. Ruiz-Gutierrez, C. Wood (2023) eBird Status and Trends, Data Version: 2022; Released: 2023. Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Ithaca, New York. https://doi.org/10.2173/ebirdst.2022
Hansen, M. C., P. V. Potapov, R. Moore, M. Hancher, S. A. Turubanova, A. Tyukavina, D. Thau, S. V. Stehman, S. J. Goetz, T. R. Loveland, A. Kommareddy, A. Egorov, L. Chini, C. O. Justice, and J. R. G. Townshend (2013). High-resolution global maps of 21st-century forest cover change. Science 342:850–853.
Iglesias, V., and C. Whitlock (2014). Fire responses to postglacial climate change and human impact in northern Patagonia (41-43°S). Sustainability Science 111: E5545-E5554.
Juhant, M. A., and S. H. Seipke (2010) Austral autumn migration counts of raptors in Argentinean Patagonia. Hawk Migration Studies 35:7–10.
Medel, J., K. L. Bildstein, R. P. Schlatter, and J. G. Navedo (2018). Discovery of an austral migratory corridor for raptors in South America. Journal of Raptor Research 52(1):89-93.
Pavez, E. F. (2000). Migratory movements of the White-throated Hawk (Buteo albigula) in Chile. Journal of Raptor Research 34:143-147.
Pavez, E. F. (2007). Buteo albigula en vuelo migratorio en Chile central. Boletín Chileno de Ornitología 13:64.
Pavez, E. F., C. González, B. A. González, C. Saucedo, S. A. Alvarado, J. P. Gabella, and A. Arnello (2004). Nesting of the white-throated hawk (Buteo albigula) in deciduous forests of central Chile. Journal of Raptor Research 38:186-189.
Rivas-Fuenzalida T., J. Medel, and R. A. Figueroa (2013). Nesting territory characteristics of a migratory South American forest hawk, the White-throated Hawk (Buteo albigula) (Aves : Accipitridae), in temperate rainforest remnants of Araucanía, southern Chile. Journal of Natural History 47:1129-1142.
Rivas-Fuenzalida, T., N. Asciones-Contreras, A. Maureira, M. Almonacid, E. Cifuentes, and K. Roa (2015). Nidificación del aguilucho chico (Buteo albigula) en un hábitat exótico dentro de un área urbana del sur de Chile. Boletín Chileno de Ornitología 21(1-2):134–139. http://aveschile.cl/web/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/CB05-Rivas-F-et-al.pdf
Rivas-Fuenzalida, T., M. Costa, and N. Asciones-Contreras (2016). Primer registro de nidificación y nuevos datos de presencia del Aguilucho de cola rojiza (Buteo ventralis) en la Patagonia Argentina. Nótulas Faunísticas Segunda Serie 199:1-16.
Rivas-Fuenzalida, T., E. Borquez, D. Romo-Cancino, E. Ziehlmann, M. Otarola, J. Díaz-Tavie, S. Torres, and V. Raimilla (2019). Extensión del límite de distribución austral del Aguilucho chico (Buteo albigula) en Chile. Revista Chilena de Ornitología 25:86-91.
Rivas-Fuenzalida, T., and Y. Quispe-Flores (2021). Áreas de escala migratoria y dormidero comunitario del Aguilucho chico (Buteo albigula) durante su migración hacia el norte en los Andes. Ornitología Neotropical 32:170-174.
Rivas-Fuenzalida, T., J. Gallardo, S. Castrilli, K. Burgos-Andrade, A. M. Morales, J. Miranda, S. Kohn, P. Camacho, Á. García, V. Rosales, E. C. Gaitán López, A. Monroy-Ojeda, A. Aguilera, F. Angulo, D. Orizano, F. Andrade, F. Alí, L. Saavedra, R. Figueroa, F. H. Vargas, J. S. Restrepo-Cardona, and J. M. Grande (2025). Human-wildlife conflict related to poultry predation as threat for diurnal raptors in the Neotropics: a call to action. Raptor Research Foundation 2025 Conference, 14-18 October 2025, San José, Costa Rica.
Rivas-Fuenzalida, T., S. Castrilli, E. Ziehlmann, K. Burgos-Andrade (2023). A migratory bottleneck for the White-throated Hawk (Buteo albigula) in the Andean foothills of central Chile. Ornitología Neotropical. 34:167–173.
Rivas-Fuenzalida, T., S. Castrilli, J. Toledo, R. Figueroa, and P. Pyle (2026). White-throated Hawk (Buteo albigula), version 4.0. In Birds of the World (S. M. Billerman and F. Medrano, Editors). Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Ithaca, NY, USA. Retrieved from Birds of the World: https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/whthaw1/4.0
Silva-Rodríguez, E. A., J. E. Jiménez, M. A. Sepúlveda-Fuentes, M. A. Sepúlveda, I. Rodríguez-Jorquera, T. Rivas-Fuenzalida, S. A. Alvarado, and R. A. Figueroa R. (2008). Records of the White-throated Hawk (Buteo albigula) along the Chilean coastal forests. Ornitología Neotropical 19(1):129-135.
Trejo, A., P. Capllonch, and L. Sympson (2007). Migratory status of the White-throated Hawk (Buteo albigula): what do we know up to now? Ornitología Neotropical 18(1):11-19.
Trejo, A., V. Ojeda, L. Sympson, and M. Gelain (2004). Breeding biology and nest characteristics of the White-throated Hawk (Buteo albigula) in northwestern Argentine Patagonia. Journal of Raptor Research 38(1):1-8.
Vásquez, A., and P. Allasi (2017). Registros documentados del Aguilucho de garganta blanca (Buteo albigula) al oeste de la cordillera de los Andes en Arequipa y Lambayeque. Boletín de la Unión de Ornitólogos de Perú 12:24-26.
Veblen, T. T., A. Holz, J. Paritsis, E. Raffaele, T. Kitzberger, and M. Blackhall (2011). Adapting to global environmental change in Patagonia: What role for disturbance ecology? Austral Ecology 36:891—903.