Archer's lark

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Heteromirafra archeri
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Archer's lark

Critically Endangered  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Alaudidae
Genus: Heteromirafra
Species:
H. archeri
Binomial name
Heteromirafra archeri
Clarke, 1920
Synonyms
  • Heteromirafra ruddi archeri
  • Mirafra archeri

Archer's lark (Heteromirafra archeri), also known as the Liben lark,

Geoffrey Francis Archer.[3]

Taxonomy and systematics

Formerly, the Liben lark has been considered by some authorities as belonging to the genus

Mirafra somalica, but also as an alternate name for Sharpe's lark.[7]
Other alternate names for the Liben lark include Archer's long-clawed lark, Ethiopian long-clawed lark, Sidamo bushlark, Sidamo long-clawed lark and Somali long-clawed lark.

Description

The Liben lark is about 14 cm (5.5 in) long, with a relatively large head and short, plump body. It has buff underparts with a streaky breast. Its plumage is predominantly brown and reddish brown. It has a short, thin tail which is brown with white outer feathers.[2] The call is unknown.[2]

Behaviour

The birds are largely terrestrial and their behaviour is cryptic. Though quite capable of flight, they often prefer to conceal themselves in vegetation.[8]

Breeding

Nests have been found in summer. Clutch-size is three.[2]

Feeding

Its diet is likely to consist of seeds and small invertebrates, including worms.

Distribution and habitat

The bird's preferred habitat is open

Wajaale clay plains on the border of Ethiopia and Somalia since 1922.[9] Due to habitat loss, Archer's lark has not been found in Somalia, since at least 1970.[10][11]

Status and conservation

The population is estimated to number 50–250 mature individuals, based on a lack of confirmed sightings despite several searches having been conducted since 1955 in Somalia and Ethiopia.

critically endangered in 2005 and a conversation program to restore and protect grasslands has been initiated.[2]

In 2011, David Hoddinott and his

bird watching group had a sighting of a bird that may have been a Liben lark in north-eastern Ethiopia. They were able to get a photograph which is being studied to confirm the observation.[12]

Threats

Human activities in the Negele plateau are causing the loss of crucial grassland habitat for the Liben lark. These activities include the encroachment of

Acacia drepanolobium bushes. The enforcement of fire suppression measures since the 1980s may have worsened this issue by reducing available grassland.[1]

The region's local human population is under increasing pressure due to the arrival of refugees from drought-stricken and tribal conflict areas. This has led to a transition from nomadic pastoralism to permanent cultivation, posing a significant threat to the species. Moreover, the development of a watering point in the core of the species' range has led to livestock concentration, causing habitat disturbance, overgrazing, and trampling.[1]

The Liben lark's habitat continues to degrade, possibly due to overgrazing and the conversion of grassland into cultivated land. Between 2010 and 2011, a significant portion of grassland on the northern side of the Liben Plain was lost to agriculture. While a military training area was previously considered a potential threat, it was abandoned by July 2005. Nevertheless, concerns persist regarding environmental changes, including drought and rising temperatures.[1]

Historical land use by refugees in the Liben lark's original grassland site in Somalia led to the loss of essential grasses. Though the refugees have departed, intensive farming, grazing, and habitat disruption continue. Settlements, fires, and invasive species exacerbate habitat loss, threatening the Liben lark's survival.[1]

References

  1. ^
    doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2018-2.RLTS.T84543703A131105923.en
    . Retrieved 13 November 2021.
  2. ^ a b c d e "Liben Lark ('Heteromirafra archeri)". BirdLife International. Retrieved 15 November 2019.
  3. ^ Beolens, Bo; Watkins, Michael (2003). Whose Bird? Men and Women Commemorated in the Common Names of Birds. London: Christopher Helm. p. 29.
  4. ^ a b "Heteromirafra archeri - Avibase". avibase.bsc-eoc.org. Retrieved 2016-11-21.
  5. ^ "Heteromirafra sidamoensis - Avibase". avibase.bsc-eoc.org. Retrieved 2016-11-21.
  6. ^ "Species 4.1 to 4.4 « IOC World Bird List". www.worldbirdnames.org. Retrieved 2016-11-20.
  7. ^ "Mirafra sharpii - Avibase". avibase.bsc-eoc.org. Retrieved 2016-11-29.
  8. ^ Butchart, Stuart. "Birds to Find: A Review of ‘lost’, Obscure and Poorly Known African Bird Species." Bull ABC, 2007. Web. 22 Oct. 2012.
  9. ^ Birding Africa, June 2010. "Archer's Lark Grasslands in Somalia Invaded by Noxious Parthenium Weed". Retrieved 25 October 2012
  10. ^
    doi:10.1017/S0959270910000018
  11. ^ "Archer's Lark." Species2011S. Web. 25 Oct. 2012. <http://species2011s.wikispaces.com/4 Archer's Lark>
  12. ^ Rock Jumping Team. "Rockjumper - Worldwide Birding Adventures: Significant Ethiopian Discovery - Heteromirafra Larks by David Hoddinott". 16 May 2011. Retrieved 25 Oct. 2012.

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Heteromirafra archeri.
Wikispecies has information related to Heteromirafra archeri.
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