Leucopternis lacernulata is at risk owing to its low density and the highly fragmented range within which it occurs; habitat loss continues in Minas Gerais (and elsewhere) and needless persecution remains a problem in Sao Paulo.
Leucopternis lacernulata occupies patches of primary lowland Atlantic forest in eastern Brazil.
Other names for Leucopternis lacernulata include; Busardo cuelliblanco (Spanish) Buse lacernulée (French).
Leucopternis lacernulata is considered as "Vulnerable" by the IUCN, (1996).