Data Zone
Justification of Red List category
Although this species has a small range, there is currently no evidence of a threat acting on its population. Consequently, its extinction risk is perceived to be very low, and it is listed as Least Concern.
Population justification
The population size of this species has not been quantified, but it is described as fairly common (Eaton et al. 2021) and it is readily observed (eBird 2022).
Trend justification
In the ten years to 2022, forest loss on Ambon was c.1% (Global Forest Watch 2022, based on data from Hansen et al. [2013] and methods disclosed therein). Given this species' tolerance of some forest degradation (Eaton et al. 2021, eBird 2022), it is not thought that this level of habitat loss and degradation is likely to be impacting the species. Although its occurrence in the songbird trade cannot be ruled (especially owing to the fact out-of-range Zosterops in markets are notoriously difficult to identify), this species has not been recorded in market surveys (S. Brusland in litt. 2023) and, in absence of evidence to the contrary, trapping is not thought to be causing declines. In the absence of other threats, the population is considered stable.
Zosterops kuehni is restricted to Ambon Island, Indonesia, where it is relatively common in suitable habitats, with also a recent record from Seram (Dymond 2012); the first record of this species on Seram since 1862 (see Dymond 2012).
This species inhabits lowland forest, scrub and gardens up to 500 m (Eaton et al. 2021).
This species may be vulnerable to forest loss within its small range, however it is adaptable to forest loss (Eaton et al. 2021) and losses are currently minimal (per Global Forest Watch 2022). Although its occurrence in the songbird trade cannot be ruled (especially owing to the fact out-of-range Zosterops in markets are notoriously difficult to identify), this species has not been recorded in market surveys (S. Brusland in litt. 2023) and, in absence of evidence to the contrary, trapping is not thought to be causing declines.
Conservation Actions Underway
None is known and none of Ambon lies within a protected area.
Conservation Actions Proposed
Monitor population and habitat trends on Ambon. Conduct ecological studies to determine precise the habitat requirements of this species, as well as its response to disturbance and fragmentation. Protect significant areas of forest on Ambon in community-led multiple use areas.
Text account compilers
Berryman, A.
Contributors
Benstead, P., Bruslund, S., Dymond, N., Gilroy, J., Khwaja, N., Mahood, S. & Westrip, J.R.S.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Ambon White-eye Zosterops kuehni. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/ambon-white-eye-zosterops-kuehni on 23/12/2024.
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 23/12/2024.