Facing extinction ‒ The historic range reduction and decline of the critically endangered Liben Lark (Heteromirafra archeri) populations: a review for conservation implications

Abstract

Abstract This review addresses the status of the Liben Lark (Heteromirafra archeri) population across its current and historic range. Since the 1970s, the Liben Lark has disappeared from most of its geographical range, remaining only in Ethiopia at the Liben and Jijiga Plains, where its range and population size continue to decrease. This decline is due to habitat loss associated with anthropogenic factors, severe droughts, and climate change. The Liben Lark prefers a grass sward of intermediate height (5–15 cm) while avoiding woody vegetation, very short grass, and bare ground, all symptomatic of degraded rangelands. Surveys in 2007 confirmed that its range shrunk from 750 km2 to only 40 km2, and its population declined from 1,600–2,000 to 90–256 individuals. The remaining habitat is rapidly degraded by agricultural cultivation and grazing, and the estimated population is 50–250 mature individuals. Further surveys, particularly during the breeding season, are needed to determine the population viability, nest survival, and sex ratio. The poor status of the Liben Lark population calls for raising awareness of the local communities and authorities to protect its habitat from degradation and save this endemic species from extinction.