| Citation |
BirdLife International. 2018. Corvus pectoralis. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2018: e.T22706049A131735892. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2018-2.RLTS.T22706049A131735892.en. Downloaded on 29 July 2020. |
Description |
JUSTIFICATION
This species is listed as Vulnerable owing to a moderately rapid population reduction, which is thought to be the result of prey depletion owing to agricultural intensification and the consequent over-use of pesticides and rodenticides. Even though the species occurs localised over a large range, no localities are separated by geographic barriers, and a low level of migration between localities indicate that all individuals belong to the same subpopulation.
RANGE DESCRIPTION
This species was historically fairly common over a large area encompassing China, Hong Kong, Chinese Taiwan and northern Vietnam. However, it is undergoing a continuing decline in numbers across its range. The species stronghold appears to be located in the Dabie Shan mountains of central eastern China (Henan, Hubei and Anhui), where recent surveys counted 400-500 individuals over one week in December 2014 (Leader et al. 2016). In southern China, it is regularly found at only a few sites in Fujian, Jiangxi, Jiangsu, Henan, Guangxi, Sichuan and Guangdong provinces, Hainan island as well as Hong Kong (S. Chan in litt. 2007, P. Leader in litt. 2007, R. Lewthwaite in litt. 2007). In eastern and north-eastern China, the species is rare and localised, occurring in Beijing, Tianjin, Zheijiang, Shaanxi, Hubei, Hebei, Liaoning and Nei Mongol provinces. In most areas where there were hundreds of birds 30 years ago, such as on Kinmen (an offshore island near Fukien, China) where in 1989 up to 176 individuals could be found, the species has declined to such an extent that single figure counts are now the norm (Y. Cheng-te in litt. 2007). In Chinese Taiwan, it is now apparently extirpated, as there have been only three records in recent decades, with the most recent in 1987 (Leader et al. 2016). There were only rare sightings in Vietnam (J. C. Eames in litt. 2007, J. Tordoff in litt. 2007), until the sighting in late 2011 of up to 10 groups, each of c.12 birds, in northern Cao Bang province, northern Vietnam (J. Wright in litt. 2011).
HABITAT AND ECOLOGY
It occurs in open areas with scattered trees, particularly near water and most often close to the coast.
THREATS
The species is declining as a result of agricultural intensification, particularly the excessive use of pesticides and rodenticides, which has killed most potential invertebrate and vertebrate prey items. Direct persecution by humans, including its use for target practice by children, is likely to have exacerbated the decline (M. Lau in litt. 2007). Additionally, the species is increasingly targeted for the pet trade and found on bird markets (S. Chan in litt. 2018).
CONSERVATION ACTIONS
Conservation Actions Underway
It occurs at a number of IBAs. The roost at Deep Bay (Hong Kong) is regularly monitored by WWF staff. In China, the species is considered Near Threatened.
Conservation Actions Proposed
Survey throughout its former range to asses the extent and magnitude of the decline. Monitor populations at keys sites across its range to determine current trends. Study the effects of agricultural intensification on population density. Provide incentives to farmers to farm in a manner that is sensitive to this species. |
