Lake Lufira Masked-Weaver Ploceus ruweti Scientific name definitions

L Tshangalele (formerly L Lufira) and Kiubo Falls (1 Craig, A. J. F. K., M. Hasson, K. Jordaens, F. C. Breman, and M. Louette (2011). Range extension of the Lufira Masked Weaver Ploceus ruweti, endemic to Katanga province, Democratic Republic of Congo. Ostrich 82(1):77–78. Close ), on R Lufira, in SE DRCongo.

Breeds Jan–Apr; reportedly double-brooded. Probably polygynous; neighbouring males each with several nests, but apparently not colonial; 3–20 nests in some sites, typically 4–6 nests together. Territorial, with wing-quivering displays. Nest oval, with entrance below and little or no spout, woven by male from strips of material, suspended from a woven strip attached to ambatch branches 0·5-2 m above water; two colonies close to nests of the wasp Ropalidia cincta. Clutch 2 eggs in one nest, very pale green with brown spots, spots concentrated at thick end, one egg 19·4 x 13·9 mm; male seen to feed a fledgling. No other information.

Not globally threatened. Currently considered Data Deficient. Restricted-range species: present in Lake Lufira ­Secondary Area. Until rediscovery in 2009 (2 Louette, M., and M. Hasson (2009). Rediscovery of the Lake Lufira Weaver Ploceus ruweti. Bulletin of the African Bird Club 16(2):168–173. Close ), known only from the male type-specimen collected in 1960. Common in 1960 and "not at all rare" in 2009 (2 Louette, M., and M. Hasson (2009). Rediscovery of the Lake Lufira Weaver Ploceus ruweti. Bulletin of the African Bird Club 16(2):168–173. Close ). Records of breeding birds observed at Kiubo Falls, c. 120 km downstream on R Lufira (3 Craig, A.J.F.K., Hasson, M., Jordaens, K., Breman, F.C. and Louette, M. (2011). Range extension of the Lufira Masked Weaver Ploceus ruweti, endemic to Katanga province, Democratic Republic of Congo. Ostrich. 82(1): 77–78. Close ), imply that it may have a more extensive distribution in this river basin than was hitherto imagined. No information on population, trends, ecological requirements or threats. Despite recent records, this species is still so poorly known that it is not possible to accurately assess of its risk of extinction; it is therefore listed as Data Deficient.