• Summary
• Text account
• Data table and detailed info
• Distribution map
• Reference and further resources

Justification of Red List category
Although this species has a restricted range, it is does not meet the thresholds for Vulnerable under the range size criterion (Extent of Occurrence <20,000 km² or Area of Occupancy <2,000 km² combined with a declining or fluctuating range size, habitat extent/quality, or population size and a small number of locations or severe fragmentation); and while the species has likely been extirpated from large areas of its historic range (especially on Negros), this damage was done more than 100 years ago and there is now no indication that forest loss is causing a continuing decline. The population size has not been accurately 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 population size has not been estimated; however, this species is common in suitable habitat (Cheke et al. 2001, Allen 2020) and appears tolerant of second growth where in close proximity to forest. Approximately 2,200 km² of forest is estimated to be left in its range (Global Forest Watch [2021], using Hansen et al. [2013] and the methods disclosed therein). The density of congeners varies hugely, however generally exceeds 100 birds/km² such that it is considered extremely unlikely the population size of this species is close to, or below, 10,000 mature individuals.

Trend justification
While this species has undoubtedly lost substantial areas of habitat in its range in the past (especially on Negros, where almost all forest below 1,000 m was cleared by the 20th century), recent remote sensing data (Global Forest Watch [2021], using Hansen et al. [2013] and the methods disclosed therein) indicate that over the past 10 years, forest loss in this species' range has been c.2.0-3.2%, which is too slow to infer a continuing decline, especially considering this species' tolerance of habitat degradation (Allen 2020). In the absence of any additional threats, this species is suspected to be stable.

Dicaeum haematostictum is endemic to the Western Visayas in the Philippines (Collar et al. 1999). It occurs commonly on Negros and Panay (Allen 2020). It is presumed extinct on Guimaras, although this requires verification.

It occurs in a variety of habitats in the lowlands and hills, up to at least 1,400 m on Panay, but generally below 1,000 m in other areas (Allen 2020). These include primary and secondary forests, and heavily degraded forest/second growth where in close proximity to taller forests.

Entire clearance of forest led to its likely extinction on Guimaras, and its substantial depletion on both Panay and Negros, which were largely cleared of forest by even the 1900s. However, the species is able to tolerate some level of forest degradation and remote sensing data indicate that, for now, the area of forest in its range is stable.

Conservation Actions Underway
The species occurs in several protected areas including Northwest Panay Peninsula Natural Park, Bulabong Puti-an and the tiny (0.5 km²) Sampunong Bolo National Parks on Panay, and is quite common in the Central Range. On Negros it occurs in Mt Canlaon Natural Park and the North Negros Forest Reserve. It has also been recorded in the Mt Talinis/Twin Lakes area, where conservation actions have been initiated (A. Bucol in litt. 2016). For example, the Balinsasayao-Danao Twin Lakes Natural Park now has a protected area management board (PAMB) which is composed of representatives from the government (Department of Environment & Natural Resources and local government units) as well as people’s organizations (A. Bucol in litt. 2016).

Conservation Actions Proposed
Gazette further areas of forest for protection, following surveys to identify key populations. Promote more effective protection of the North Negros Forest Reserve and other remaining lowland forest tracts in the Western Visayas.

10 cm. A tiny canopy-dwelling passerine. Black upperparts with blue gloss. White underparts, greyer on belly, with prominent black bar on upper breast and bright scarlet patch extending from the bar and continuing as line down centre of breast and belly. Longish, fine bill. Voice Song a series of thin, high-pitched, sweet notes. Call a thin seep interspersed with harder tup tup notes. Hints Sings from exposed perches and frequents fruiting berry trees.

Text account compilers
Berryman, A.

Contributors
Allen, D., Benstead, P., Berryman, A., Bucol, A., Gilroy, J., Taylor, J. & Westrip, J.R.S.

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Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Black-belted Flowerpecker Dicaeum haematostictum. Downloaded from https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/black-belted-flowerpecker-dicaeum-haematostictum on 22/11/2024.
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 22/11/2024.