Rationale (Changed due to Not applicable)

The Rosy-throated Longclaw Macronyx ameliae has experienced a marked range contraction since the collection of the species' type specimen in Durban in 1845. It has also undergone a decline in the extent and quality of its sensitive wetland habitat in northern KwaZulu-Natal, which is suspected to have resulted in a concomitant decline in the regional population. It is thought that this population decline approaches, but does meet, the 30% threshold over a three generation period to qualify the species as regionally Vulnerable. Consequently it is listed as regionally Near Threatened.

Distribution

The nominate M. a. ameliae is now restricted to a small, isolated population occurring along the northern coastal littoral zone of KwaZulu-Natal (Peacock 2006), from the Kosi Bay area on the Mozambique border, south to St Lucia (Chittenden 2005). It also extends northwards into Mozambique, to the approximate vicinity of Xai-Xai. Parker (1999) mentions that the species is rare in southern Mozambique, but it may be overlooked in that poorly explored country. An allopatric population (‘M. a. altanus') occurs on the central plateau of Zimbabwe, in the Okavango Delta area of Botswana and further north in Kenya, Tanzania, and Zambia (Peacock 2006). Longclaws are not prone to vagrancy due to their rather short, rounded wings and overall weak flight (Peacock 2006) and it is unlikely that the species occurs outside of the areas mentioned above. Within the region the Rosy-throated Longclaw has been recorded in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park IBA.

Habitat View more ecological information

Population

The global population remains unquantified (BirdLife International 2014). There is little information currently available on the population status of Rosy-throated Longclaw in the region. Johnson et al. (1998) estimated there to be between 400-500 mature individuals in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park IBA (SA058). The Kosi Bay System IBA (SA053) was estimated to hold 20-40 mature individuals whilst the Lake Sibaya IBA (SA054) supports an estimated 40-100 mature individuals. These figures suggest a total number of 460-640 mature individuals in the IBA network in the region, calculated in 1998. It is believed that the number of individuals within protected areas has increased with the establishment of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park. The number of mature individuals outside of the protected network is unknown. The regional population is estimated to be c. 1 500 mature individuals, but view of increasing deterioration of wetland habitats outside of protected areas, a more conservative regional population estimate of 520-670 mature individuals is proposed. However, confidence in this population estimate is low and it requires verification.

Population trend

The global population trend is suspected to be in decline owing to ongoing habitat destruction. The majority of the population falls within the protected iSimangaliso Wetland Park, which now includes all three IBA's mentioned above, and is not thought to have declined significantly. Birds occurring outside of the protected area to the west of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, have been impacted upon by increasing human pressure. This corresponds with decreases shown in the comparison of SABAP1 with SABAP2 data. It is assumed that the regional population has declined accordingly. The confidence in this estimate is low.

Threats

Habitat fragmentation, degradation and destruction are the main threats to this species. This includes overgrazing, wetland drainage, conversion for agriculture (including afforestation and sugarcane), unfavourable burning practices and interference with flood­plain ecology through upriver impoundment and water extraction (Chittenden 2005). Parker (1999) makes mention that the disturbance of wetlands is threatening sub-populations in neighbouring Sul do Save in southern Mozambique.

Conservation

Underway

There are currently no conservation measures focusing on the Rosy-throated Longclaw in place. However, the proclamation of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, and the subsequent removal of commercial forestry plantations within the park may have direct benefits for the species in the future.

Proposed

A baseline survey needs to be conducted in order to estimate the population size of the regional population. This is essential to gaining a better understanding of the regional extinction risk of this species.

Research

* A full population census needs to be conducted.

* Research into the population dynamics and ecological requirements of the species will allow effective management plans to be drawn up to protect the spectacular Rosy-throated Longclaw and its habitat.