Data Zone
Justification of Red List category
Although it has a relatively small population, Banda Sea Pitta occurs as multiple subpopulations spanning across the Banda Sea. The only threat (habitat loss) is likely to be causing only very slow declines since the species is rather adaptable to forest degradation. For these reasons it is listed as Least Concern.
Population justification
The population of this species has not been directly estimated. Qualitative descriptions of its abundance vary: Johnstone and van Balen (2013) reported it to be scarce/rare in the Tayandu and Kai island groups with no records from any of the main islands (although see records from eBird [2022]) but Coates and Bishop (1997) and Bishop and Brickle (1999) regarded it as generally common, a fact supported by its apparent habitat tolerances (Eaton et al. 2021). Jones et al. (1995) calculated approximate densities of 4 birds/km2 for P. elegans, with which this species used to be considered conspecific; given its identical size and similar habitat requirements, a similar density is considered appropriate for P. vigorsii. In 2021, there was approximately 5,200 km2 of forest within the species' mapped range (Global Forest Watch 2022). Assuming a similar density to that of P. elegans, and an occupancy rate of 40-70%, the population is inferred to be 8,300-14,500 birds, or 5,500-9,600 mature individuals, rounded here to 5,000-9,999. Assuming a constant population:area ratio across its range, the population on the Tanimbars is likely to be the largest, numbering c.3,800-6,600 mature individuals.
Trend justification
The population is suspected of being in decline because of ongoing forest loss, which was equivalent to 7% over the three generations to 2021 (Global Forest Watch 2022, using data from Hansen et al. [2013] and methods disclosed therein). This species is quite tolerant of habitat degradation, however still requires some kind of tree cover, and therefore the rate of reduction is broadly set in the band 1-9% over the past and future three generation timeframes.
The species occurs on small, disconnected island groups (including the Tanimbars and Kais) in the Banda Sea, Indonesia.
It inhabits a wide range of woodland types including scrub and plantations (Eaton et al. 2021).
The only known threat to P. vigorsii is forest loss, although it is quite tolerant of degraded habitats such that this is considered unlikely to be causing rapid declines.
Conservation Actions Underway
None specific to this species although it does occur in some protected areas.
Conservation Actions Proposed
Research the species' exact habitat requirements to determine its reliance on well-wooded habitats. Research its movements to clarify the subpopulation structure. Continue to monitor forest loss using remote sensing data.
Text account compilers
Berryman, A.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Banda Sea Pitta Pitta vigorsii. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/banda-sea-pitta-pitta-vigorsii on 02/12/2024.
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 02/12/2024.