Liben Lark

Heteromirafra sidamoensis

Meet the Liben Lark, one of the most endangered birds in the world. If nothing is done and their populations continues to decline, they may also have the unfortunate distinction of being the first bird to go extinct in mainland Africa.

Liben Larks are endemic to Ethiopia, and are restricted to a very small range of grassland that measures only 36 square kilometers. They are small birds, with brown streaked feathering and buff undersides. Males and females look alike. Because of their scarcity, they haven't been extensively studied.

Habitat loss and degradation have been major causes for the rapid decline. Increased human and livestock encroachment has led to a dramatic loss of open grassland for the Larks, which forage and nest on the ground. Their remaining range is not protected, and though a number of conservation measures have been proposed, the bird could very well be extinct in only a few years. It is estimated that there are between 100 and 250 left.

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IUCN Status : Critically Endangered

Location : Ethiopia
Size : Length up to 5in (14cm)

Classification : Phylum : Chordata -- Class : Aves -- Order : Passeriformes
Family : Alaudidae -- Genus : Heteromirafra -- Species : H. sidamoensis