About
The Uluguru bush-shrike is a brightly-coloured green and yellow bush-shrike, which is only found in a small area of forest in the Uluguru Mountains, Tanzania.
Information about the species’ ecology and breeding habits is lacking, but the population is thought to be stable, at the moment. The largest proportion of the population can be found in the Uluguru Nature Reserve, which is now protected from logging by law. The reserve is situated on the steep sides of the mountain and it is thought this difficult terrain has afforded the area some protection. This may be why the population is currently stable. However, as deforestation continues in surrounding areas, the reserve is likely to become more of a target for illegal activities. The genus Malaconotus, contains six bush-shrikes about which little is known. Relationships between species, as well as the limits at which one species ends and another begins, have been difficult to decipher for this group. This is due to a high level of variation in plumage colour within a species that is often greater than the variation between different species. However, the eye colour and plumage of the Uluguru Bush-shrike is distinct from other Malaconotus species.
- Order: Passeriformes
- Family: Malaconotidae
- Population: 3,600
- Trend: stable
- Size: 22-24 cm
EDGE Score
Distribution
This species only occur in the Uluguru mountains of Tanzania. Most of its 84km2 range falls within the northern region of the newly-created Uluguru Nature Reserve
Habitat and Ecology
This species inhabit sub-montane and montane forests of the Uluguru Mountains. They spend most of their time in the canopy of the submontane forests, foraging for large insects. Little is known about its breeding behaviour, however, pairing and increased calling has been observed during the hot season (Nov-January).
