The status and conservation of the endemic bird species of São Tomé and Príncipe, West Africa

Abstract

SummaryFieldwork on the distribution, status and ecology of the endemic bird species of São Tomé and Príncipe was conducted from June to September 1990. The results are here combined with other evidence, notably from recent ICBP-backed fieldwork. Findings largely support existing Red Data Book listings, although Oriolus crassirostris is now found only in remote undisturbed areas at low density, and deserves “Rare” status. Particular achievements of the 1990 fieldwork were the first observations since the 1920s of Bostrychia bocagei, Lanius newtoni and Amaurocichla bocagii, the first two being very rare (one seen of each) and the last patchily common (along streams), records of all three being from either Rio Xufexufe or Rio Ana Chaves or both. Primary forest, mature secondary forest and shade forest are all important to the security of the full avifauna of both islands.