Data Zone
Justification of Red List category
This species is confined to montane forest on the island of Alor where it is thought to have a small range that is experiencing ongoing habitat loss and degradation. It is therefore listed as Vulnerable.
Population justification
The population size of this range-restricted species has not been directly estimated. Overall it is described as scarce by Eaton et al. (2021), but it was locally common at a site discussed in Irham et al. (2020). It appears to have specific habitat requirements (Eucalyptus woodland on ridgetops) and remaining available habitat may now total only 50 km2 (out of a total area of 120 km2 of woodland in its elevational range). The only density estimate available for an Asian species of Myzomela is that of M. dammermani from Sumba, for which Jones et al. (1995) reported 120 individuals/km2, thought broadly to be equivalent to c.80 mature individuals/km2. Based on descriptive reports of their abundance in Eaton et al. (2021), the densities of these two species are thought comparable, although this requires confirmation. Allowing for some uncertainty with this density (comprising 0.75 and 1.25 adjustments to generate minimum and maximum values), the population of M. prawiradilagae is inferred to number 3,000-12,000 mature individuals (with a best estimate of 4,000-9,999), based on an occupied area spanning 50-120 km2 .
Trend justification
The population is suspected to be declining due to ongoing forest loss. Between 2010 and 2020, forest loss in this species' range was estimated at 6-8% (Global Forest Watch 2022, based on data from Hansen et al. [2013] and methods disclosed therein) and, as a forest-dependent species (apparently with particular habitat requirements [Irham et al. 2020]), it is thought to be declining at a rate broadly similar to that of forest loss. In 2021, the rate of forest loss appeared to increase substantially, with 2.42 km2 of forest in this species' mapped range being lost, comprising a reduction of 2.0-4.8% (depending on the total area of suitable habitat adopted [Irham et al. 2020]) of available habitat in a single year. The species is thought to be suffering ongoing population reductions of 5-15% every 10 years, although this requires confirmation and urgent monitoring.
The species is endemic to higher elevations of Alor, Indonesia.
A poorly known species that was described to science as recently as 2020 (Irham et al. 2020), Myzomela prawiradilagae appears to be restricted to montane habitat with a strong association to Eucalyptus woodland on ridgetops. Surveys of ostensibly suitable localities have failed to find it (Trainor et al. 2012), while in others it has proven locally common (Irham et al. 2020). It is recorded from 900 m, but most records are from above 1,000 m (Irham et al. 2020, Eaton et al. 2021). The highest locality it has been observed appears to be c.1,270 m whence the holotype was procured, although it may be reasonably expected to occur at Alor's highest summits (c.1,400 m).
The only identified threat to this species is forest loss which appears to be occurring at a moderately rapid rate.
Conservation Actions Underway
None specific to this species is known. It occurs in the Tuti Adagae Nature Recreation Park, but here there appears to be no effective management (Irham et al. 2020).
Conservation Actions Proposed
Urgently confirm the species' distribution across the island and generate a reliable population estimate. Establish its habitat tolerances. Ensure sites that do host the species are adequately protected. If possible, begin to restore degraded habitat in the hope of expanding the area of suitable habitat for this species.
Text account compilers
Berryman, A.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Alor Myzomela Myzomela prawiradilagae. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/alor-myzomela-myzomela-prawiradilagae on 01/12/2024.
Recommended citation for factsheets for more than one species: BirdLife International (2024) IUCN Red List for birds. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/search on 01/12/2024.