Data Zone
Justification of Red List category
Although this species may have a restricted range, it is not believed to approach the thresholds for Vulnerable under the range size criterion (Extent of Occurrence <20,000 km2 combined with a declining or fluctuating range size, habitat extent/quality, or population size and a small number of locations or severe fragmentation). Despite the fact that the population trend appears to be decreasing, the decline is not believed to be sufficiently rapid to approach the threshold for Vulnerable under the population trend criterion (>30% decline over ten years of three generations). The population size has not been quantified, but it is not believed to approach the thresholds for Vulnerable under the population size criterion (<10,000 mature individuals with a continuing decline estimated to be >10% in ten years or three generations, or with a specified population structure). For these reasons the species is evaluated as Least Concern.
Population justification
The global population size has not been quantified, but the species is described as common (Coates 1990).
Trend justification
The population is suspected to be in decline due to unsustainable levels of hunting and increased levels of hybridization with a related species (Melidectes rufocrissalis) caused by ongoing habitat degradation.
Text account compilers
Ekstrom, J., Butchart, S., Hermes, C.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Belford's Melidectes Melidectes belfordi. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/belfords-melidectes-melidectes-belfordi 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.