Central Tanzania, in Rubeho Highland, Wota Forest (Wota Mts) and Ukaguru Mts.
 
Population
Estimated population is unknown (2010) and decreasing.
Status EN
Habitat loss through logging of large trees and clearance of forest for agriculture is the main threat.
For more information see BirdLife International Species Factsheet.
Voice
A harsh 'tchen' uttered in alarm, slightly deeper than that of Iringa Akalat (Sheppardia lowei). Song is unknown.
Rubeho Akalat (Sheppardia aurantiithorax) [XC304063]
by Mikael Bauer from Ukaguru Mts., Tanzania (call)
Rubeho Akalat (Sheppardia aurantiithorax) [XC514931]
by Louis A. Hansen from Dibililo camp, Mafwemiro forest, Mpwapwa, Dodoma Region, Tanzania (call)
Subspecies
Molecular studies suggest most closely related to Iringa Akalat (Sheppardia lowei), from which it is geographically separated by the Great Ruaha River gorge and it was initially thought to be an isolate of that species. The two may merit separate generic treatment.