| Citation |
Kennerley, R. & Ong, P. 2019. Hylopetes nigripes. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2019: e.T10604A22243756. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2019-2.RLTS.T10604A22243756.en. Downloaded on 07 July 2021. |
Description |
JUSTIFICATION
This species is listed as Near Threatened because its extent of occurrence (EOO) is approximately 23,623 km², and the extent and quality of its habitat are probably declining due to logging, thus making the species close to qualifying for Vulnerable under criterion B1ab(iii).
RANGE DESCRIPTION
This species is endemic to the Philippines, where it is only found in the Palawan Faunal Region on Palawan, and Bancalan islands (Heaney et al. 1998, Esselstyn et al. 2004). Survey efforts have not encountered it on Dumaran island (P. Widmann pers. comm. 2006). On Palawan the species was recorded in two out of five areas (Widmann et al. 2008).
DESCRIPTION
This species is widespread and moderately common in mature forest (Heaney et al. 1998, L. Heaney pers. comm). Presence of this species can be determined from spotlighting efforts and by listening for its characteristic vocalizations (Esslestyn et al. 2004, P. Widmann pers. comm. 2006).
HABITAT AND ECOLOGY
This species is nocturnal and arboreal and is found in primary and secondary lowland forest, where it nests in cavities of large trees (Taylor 1934; Esselstyn et al. 2004). This species was seen at a site where there was a mosaic of overlogged lowland forest, mangrove and cultivated areas from sea level to 60 m asl and at a site with overlogged lowland forest and extensive meadows for wild buffalo, rice paddies and small wetlands and shrub between 10-100 m asl (Widmann et al. 2008).
THREATS
Deforestation is a potentially very serious threat in light of this species reliance on tree cavities. It is also occasionally hunted for food and captured for pet trade but this is estimated to have a minimal impact on the population, however, since 2014 this species had not been recorded in the list of wildlife encountered by the Palawan Council on Sustainable Development Staff when they confiscate illegally caught wildlife in Palawan (P. Ong pers. comm. 2016).
USE AND TRADE
Since 2014, this species had not been recorded in the list of wildlife encountered by the Palawan Council on Sustainable Development Staff when they confiscate illegally caught wildlife in Palawan, which indicates that it is not targeted for collection by poachers (P. Ong pers. comm. 2016).
CONSERVATION ACTIONS
This species occurs in several protected areas. More information is needed on this species abundance, ecology and tolerance to disturbance. Improved forest conservation and protection measures are needed to stop or reduce illegal logging and clearing for agriculture. |
