Data Zone
Justification of Red List category
This species has a very small range and is thought to have a single moderately small population that is subject to ongoing conversion of habitat for smallholder farming. It is therefore classified as Near Threatened.
Population justification
The species is reported to be not as common as Myiagra vanikorensis but is quite regularly observed in suitable habitats (Watling 2001). Based on densities recorded in Masibalavu and Dutson (2006), the population was roughly estimated to number 5,000 mature individuals though the true number may be more if most of the birds recorded were singing males (M. O'Brien in litt. 2020). The population is tentatively placed here in the band 5,000-9,999 mature individuals to account for this uncertainty.
Trend justification
This species is considered restricted to mature forest (Watling 2001). Although the rate of conversion of old-growth native forest to mahogany plantations has slowed significantly, logging and subsistence farming still persist within the range. However, this appears to be largely undetected by remote sensing data which indicate only minimal forest loss (Global Forest Watch 2023, using data from Hansen et al. [2013] and methods disclosed therein). Forest clearance, with upland areas of Taveuni being a key area, is ongoing for (sometimes large scale) cultivation of kava (Piper methysticum), which is now a high value crop and widely traded and sold in the region (J. England in litt. 2020, O'Brien et al. 2021). As such, although there is no direct quantification of the population trend, the species is suspected to be declining.
This species is restricted to the island of Taveuni in northern Fiji.
This species is found in hilly and montane forest (Gregory and Christie 2020).
Although the rate of conversion of old-growth native forest to mahogany plantations has slowed significantly, logging and subsistence farming still persist within the range. However, this appears to be largely undetected by remote sensing data which indicate only minimal forest loss (Global Forest Watch 2023, using data from Hansen et al. [2013] and methods disclosed therein). Forest clearance, with upland areas of Taveuni being a key area, is ongoing for (sometimes large scale) cultivation of kava (Piper methysticum), which is now a high value crop and widely traded and sold in the region (J. England in litt. 2020, O'Brien et al. 2021).
Conservation Actions Underway
This species occurs in several protected areas.
Conservation Actions Proposed
Conduct surveys to improve population size estimates and quantify the trend. Influence agricultural practices and protect remaining tracts of mature forest (J. England in litt. 2020). Facilitate a framework which makes conservation an acceptable alternative to kava cultivation (O'Brien et al. 2021).
Text account compilers
Vine, J.
Contributors
O'Brien, M. & England, J.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Azure-crested Flycatcher Myiagra azureocapilla. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/azure-crested-flycatcher-myiagra-azureocapilla on 22/12/2024.
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 22/12/2024.