This species is an arboreal frugivore and has been found at the edge of Juniperus-Olea forest, in mixed conifer-broadleaved woodland, and riverine tree formations. It is most common at mid-altitudes (c.1,500 m [EWNHS 1996]) in habitats with relatively low humidity, and intermediate between lowland thorn-bush and montane forest (Borghesio 1997a, 1997b). The diet includes fruits of Ficus, Juniperus and Podocarpus (Borghesio 1997b). Birds may undertake seasonal movements of a few kilometres (Borghesio 1997a). Hybrids between T. ruspolii and White-cheeked Turaco T. leucotis have been observed, most commonly in edge habitats (Lernould and Seitre 2002, Borghesio et al. 2004).

Tauraco ruspolii has a restricted range in southern Ethiopia, around Arero, Bobela, Sokora, Negele and Wadera (Turner 1997), and into the Bale Mountains National Park. The species' distribution encompasses the woodlands of Anferara-Wadera and adjacent Bore-Anferara, where it was considered not uncommon in suitable habitat c.1996 (EWNHS 1996). In 1995, the population was estimated at c.10,000 individuals (Borghesio and Massa 2000). However, rapid changes to its habitat between 1995 and 2007 may have caused a decline in the population of around 10-30%, and it is now suspected to number fewer than 10,000 individuals (L. Borghesio in litt. 2007).

Conservation Actions Underway
CITES Appendix II. The woodlands of Anferara-Wadera and adjacent Bore-Anferara have been designated as National Forest Priority Areas (EWNHS 1996). The Ethiopian Wildlife Conservation Authority proposed to include the species' range in its Protected Areas Network in March 2012 (A. Shimelis in litt. 2012).

Conservation Actions Proposed
Protect key sites, especially the area around Sele and Lela Lemu woodlands, but also Juniperus-Olea forest and adjoining woodlands north of Arero (Borghesio and Massa 2000). Initiate a scheme for monitoring its distribution and population. Evaluate its habitat requirements in more detail. Investigate the importance of its seasonal use of woodlands. Carry out surveys in the wet season (April-May), when it is more evenly distributed across its range (Borghesio et al. 2004). Investigate the possibilities for ecotourism in the area (A. Shimelis in litt. 1998). Further investigate the extent of hybridisation between T. ruspolii and T. leucotis (Lernould and Seitre 2002, 2004). Research use of plantations by T. leucotis, and assess whether natural tree plantations could be established that would not be favoured by this species, but would reduce human pressure on native woodlands (Borghesio et al. 2004). Assess the level of hunting pressure for the illegal trade in adults and eggs (Borghesio et al. 2004). Encourage reforestation with native tree species (Borghesio et al. 2004).