White-fronted Woodpecker
VU

White-fronted Woodpecker

Melanerpes cactorum

Unknown

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White-fronted_woodpecker

Overview

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

The White-fronted Woodpecker faces severe population declines primarily due to widespread deforestation and habitat fragmentation across its South American range. Agricultural expansion, particularly cattle ranching and soybean cultivation, has eliminated vast areas of the dry forests and woodland savannas this species requires. Urban development and infrastructure projects further fragment remaining habitat patches, while the species' dependence on large, mature trees for nesting makes it particularly vulnerable to selective logging practices.

Threat summary

Habitat

The White-fronted Woodpecker inhabits dry forests, woodland savannas, and gallery forests across parts of South America, particularly favoring areas with large, mature trees suitable for excavating nest cavities. This species shows a strong preference for semi-arid woodland environments and forest edges where it can find adequate insect prey and nesting opportunities.

Other threatened species in Picidae

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Guayaquil Woodpecker

Campephilus gayaquilensis

Unknown
European Green WoodpeckerVU

European Green Woodpecker

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Unknown
Powerful WoodpeckerVU

Powerful Woodpecker

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Scarlet-backed WoodpeckerEN

Scarlet-backed Woodpecker

Veniliornis callonotus

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is White-fronted Woodpecker classified as Vulnerable?
White-fronted Woodpecker 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 White-fronted Woodpecker faces severe population declines primarily due to widespread deforestation and habitat fragmentation across its South American range. Agricultural expansion, particularly cattle ranching and soybean cultivation, has eliminated vast areas of the dry forests and woodland savannas this species requires. Urban development and infrastructure projects further fragment remaining habitat patches, while the species' dependence on large, mature trees for nesting makes it particularly vulnerable to selective logging practices.
Where does White-fronted Woodpecker live?
White-fronted Woodpecker 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 White-fronted Woodpecker?
The main threats to White-fronted Woodpecker 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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