Calayan Rail
VU

Calayan Rail

Gallirallus calayanensis

Unknown

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calayan_rail

Overview

The Calayan rail is a flightless bird of the rail, moorhen, and coot family (Rallidae) that inhabits Calayan Island in the Philippines. Though well known to natives of the island as the "piding", it was first observed by ornithologist Carmela Española in May 2004 and the discovery was officially announced on August 16, 2004. It was formerly the only species placed in the genus Aptenorallus.

The Calayan Rail faces significant threats due to its extremely restricted range, being endemic to a single small island in the Philippines. Habitat degradation from human activities, introduced predators, and the species' naturally small population size make it particularly vulnerable to extinction. Its limited distribution means that any local threats could impact the entire global population.

Threat summary

Habitat

Inhabits dense grasslands, scrublands, and forest edges on Calayan Island in the northern Philippines. The species occupies both coastal areas and inland habitats with thick vegetation cover that provides shelter and foraging opportunities.

Other threatened species in Rallidae

Spotted CrakeVU

Spotted Crake

Porzana porzana

Unknown
Eurasian cootVU

Eurasian coot

Fulica atra

Unknown
Rufous-Necked Wood RailVU

Rufous-Necked Wood Rail

Aramides axillaris

Unknown
Hawaiian CootVU

Hawaiian Coot

Fulica alai

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Calayan Rail classified as Vulnerable?
Calayan Rail is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. The Calayan Rail faces significant threats due to its extremely restricted range, being endemic to a single small island in the Philippines. Habitat degradation from human activities, introduced predators, and the species' naturally small population size make it particularly vulnerable to extinction. Its limited distribution means that any local threats could impact the entire global population.
Where does Calayan Rail live?
Calayan Rail occurs in across multiple regions. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Calayan Rail?
The main threats to Calayan Rail are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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