Dwarf Olive Ibis

Taxobox
name = Dwarf Olive Ibis
status = CR | status_system = IUCN3.1
regnum = Animalia
phylum = Chordata
classis = Aves
ordo = Ciconiiformes
familia = Threskiornithidae
genus = "Bostrychia"
species = "B. bocagei"
binomial = "Bostrychia bocagei"
binomial_authority = Chapin, 1923

The Dwarf Olive Ibis ("Bostrychia bocagei") is a critically endangered bird that is endemic to São Tomé e Príncipe. Once thought to be a subspecies of the larger Olive Ibis, it is now classified as a distinct species.

Description

The Dwarf Olive Ibis's measurements include: wings 248 mm; bill 73 mm; tarsus 52 mm; and tail 95 mm. The head is dull olive with black surrounding the eyes and base of the bill. The wing-coverts and mantle are slightly bronzed.

It is silent most of the time, but when disturbed it gives various coughed grunts, and a harsh honking when going to roost. Its call could also be described as a stressed "kàh-gàh kàh-gàh".

Habitat and ecology

It is are found in primary forest below 450 m altitude. It forages for food on forest floor with sparse undergrowth, especially where the ground has been disturbed by wild pigs, and in swampy areas bordering watercourses.

Population and threats

The tiny population of Dwarf Olive Ibises contains only around 50 individuals. Due to this, it is listed as critically endangered on the IUCN red list.

Introduced species could negatively affect the numbers of these birds. Habitat loss is also another threat and road development has increased access to previously remote areas. They also may be hunted. A national park and the protection of threatened species in São Tomé has been proposed, but currently the forests are unprotected.

External links

* [http://www.birdquest.co.uk/tour_images/ai_866.jpgImage]

References

* [http://www.iucnredlist.org/search/details.php/2901/all IUCN red list]
* [http://www.birdlife.org/datazone/search/species_search.html?action=SpcHTMDetails.asp&sid=3789&m=0 BirdLife Species Factsheet.]