Justification

This species is known from a very small number of locations and habitat fragmentation, loss and degradation are continuing within its very small range. The population is almost certainly very small, fragmented and declining. It is therefore classified as Endangered.

Threats

Parts of the upper Magdalena valley have been converted to agriculture since the 18th century⁴ but, when the type-series was collected in 1942, the higher valleys of the Toche area, Tolima, were heavily forested. Since the 1950s, much of the original habitat in these valleys has been cleared and used for agriculture, including coffee plantations, potatoes, beans and cattle-grazing^1,3. Mature secondary forest patches are now fragmented and natural vegetation cover is judged to have been reduced to c.15% between 1,900 and 3,200 m ^1,3.

Conservation

It has not been recorded from any protected areas. However, an integrated conservation programme for the forests around the type-locality will hopefully benefit this and other threatened species in the area. Action for the Yellow-eared Parrot Ognorhynchus icterotis has increased public awareness and community involvement in conservation issues in the rToche area, Tolima², which should also benefit L. conoveri.

Targets

*Evaluate forest cover in its range and follow-up with surveys of larger blocks to determine the current population and distribution¹. *Investigate the ecological requirements of this species, especially the degree to which it tolerates modified habitats. *Protect a stronghold area, if found¹.