Justification
This species may have a very small population, which is threatened by deforestation. It is therefore listed as Near Threatened. If the population was found to be in decline, it might qualify for a higher threat category.
Identification
A large forest accipiter. Even dark grey-brown above, with slight pale supercilium and pale, heavily-barred underparts, long yellow legs and long tail. Young birds are paler brown above, often with paler feather-bases showing, and are streaked brownish underneath.
Similar spp. Very similar to Madagascar Serpent EagleEutriorchis astur, though the adult lacks that species' overall brownish coloration and dark bars in tertials, mantle and crown-feathers. Young birds are easily distinguished by having streaks, not bars, on the underparts. Flight is generally more direct and rapid than Madagascar Serpent Eagle. Almost identical in plumage to Madagascar Sparrowhawk Accipiter madagascariensis, but much larger; differs in having throat barred and streaked, forming a chequered pattern, and in usually having bars on the undertail-coverts. HintsOften seen flying over the forest canopy calling, a loud, rapid, rather cracked "ang-ang-ang-ang-ang-ang...". Otherwise, sometimes seen briefly while chasing birds in the sub-canopy or in clearings.
Distribution and population
Accipiter henstii is a forest raptor sparsely distributed throughout most of Madagascar but absent from the south-west (Langrand 1990). It is rare throughout its range (Langrand 1990; Morris and Hawkins 1998), but appears to be present in almost all adequately large forest blocks that have been surveyed (ZICOMA 1999).
Population justification
The population is estimated at 1,000-3,000 individuals, roughly equivalent to 670-2,000 mature individuals.
Trend justification
The population is suspected to be in decline owing to ongoing deforestation.
Threats
The species is considered vulnerable to deforestation (del Hoyo et al. 1994).
Conservation actions underway
CITES Appendix II.
Conservation actions proposed
Conduct surveys to establish an up-to-date estimate of its population and range. Study the species's ecology. Monitor rates of deforestation across its range. Secure habitat through protected area status.
