Pampas Meadowlark
VU

Pampas Meadowlark

Leistes defilippii

Declining

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

The Pampas Meadowlark faces severe population declines primarily due to widespread conversion of native grasslands to agriculture and cattle ranching across the Pampas region. Intensive farming practices, particularly soybean cultivation, have eliminated vast areas of the tall grass prairies this species requires for nesting and foraging. Agricultural pesticides further reduce insect prey availability, while cattle grazing degrades remaining grassland habitat structure essential for successful breeding.

Threat summary

Habitat

Artificial - Terrestrial· major

Conservation measures underway

Site/area protectionSite/area managementSpecies recoveryAwareness & communicationsLinked enterprises & livelihood alternatives

Other threatened species in ICTERIDAE

VU

Rusty Blackbird

Euphagus carolinus

Declining
VU

Martinique Oriole

Icterus bonana

Declining
EN

Saint Lucia Oriole

Icterus laudabilis

Declining
VU

Baudo Oropendola

Psarocolius cassini

Declining

Threatened in Argentina

Striped SmoothhoundCR

Striped Smoothhound

Mustelus fasciatus

Declining
VU

Achala Escuerzo-Frog

Odontophrynus achalensis

Declining
VU

Copper Shark

Carcharhinus brachyurus

Declining
EN

Gubernatrix cristata

Declining

Frequently asked questions

Why is Pampas Meadowlark classified as Vulnerable?
Pampas Meadowlark 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 Pampas Meadowlark faces severe population declines primarily due to widespread conversion of native grasslands to agriculture and cattle ranching across the Pampas region. Intensive farming practices, particularly soybean cultivation, have eliminated vast areas of the tall grass prairies this species requires for nesting and foraging. Agricultural pesticides further reduce insect prey availability, while cattle grazing degrades remaining grassland habitat structure essential for successful breeding.
Where does Pampas Meadowlark live?
Pampas Meadowlark occurs in Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Pampas Meadowlark?
The main threats to Pampas Meadowlark are 1.1, 2.1, 2.3, and 5.3. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

Get weekly conservation intelligence

One short digest a week of the most striking species and country data we ship, plus breaking conservation news paired with our database where it matters.

Free, no spam. One-click unsubscribe in every email.