New hope for the critically endangered São Tomé Grosbeak Neospiza concolor and an alert to protect Obô Natural Park surroundings

Abstract

The São Tomé Grosbeak Neospiza concolor is critically endangered, with an area of occurrence smaller than 16 km² and an adult population under 50 individuals. It was previously thought to be restricted to old-growth forest in the southern lowlands of the island, but here we describe its presence at altitude over a long period, using young secondary forests and feeding on plants characteristic of disturbed areas. By extending the grosbeak's area of occurrence and what is known about its ecology, these observations raise new hope for the survival of this threatened bird. However, this new site lies outside the Ôbo Natural Park, São Tomé's only protected area, for which we alert the need to better protect its surroundings, which are relevant for many of the island's endemic species.