Data Zone
Justification of Red List category
This species is confined to the island of Buru, Indonesia, where it is inferred to have a moderately small population. Its habitat requirements are poorly known but is suspected of being at least partially forest dependent, as are other Ceyx kingfishers. Forest loss on Buru is ongoing, albeit at a slow rate, and is thought to be causing a continuing decline in this species. For these reasons, Buru Dwarf-kingfisher is listed as Near Threatened.
Population justification
The population size has not been estimated following recent taxonomic splits. On New Guinea, C. solitarius (with which the present species was formerly considered conspecific) has been recorded at densities of 10 birds/km2 (Bell 1982). Approximately 6,000 km2 of forest cover remained on Buru in 2021 (Global Forest Watch 2021, using data from Hansen et al. 2013 and methods disclosed therein); consequently, assuming an occupancy of 10–50%, the population is inferred to be 6,000–30,000 birds, or 4,000–20,000 mature individuals, with a best estimate (considering that eBird [2022] data indicate a relatively low occupancy) of 4,000–9,999 mature individuals. Confirmation and clarification on this total is needed.
Trend justification
This species is considered to be moderately forest dependent. There has been a slow rate of forest cover loss, up to 5% over the past three generations (data from Global Forest Watch 2022, using Hansen et al. [2013] data and methods disclosed therein) which is suspected to be causing slow population declines. No direct assessment of rate of population change has been made for the species.
Restricted to the island of Buru, in the south Moluccas, Indonesia.
Occurs in forested habitats, not necessarily near watercourses and may tolerate secondary forest and plantations as noted in other Ceyx, but little studied recently.
The coastal lowland forests have been cleared, and the northern and northeastern portions of the island now contain monsoon forest, gallery forest, and savannas as a result of repeated burning (Stattersfield et al. 1998). However, the remaining upland forest forms two large, contiguous blocks. Most of this forest is a mosaic of primary and secondary forest as a result of shifting cultivation (Stattersfield et al. 1998). Commercial logging on Buru intensified during the 1970s, but much of the island is still under extensive forest cover. Commercial logging and shifting cultivation are the primary threats to the remaining habitat (Wikramanayake et al. 2002). The rate of forest cover loss recorded through satellite monitoring has been slow in the past two decades, and over the past decade is estimated at c.5% (Global Forest Watch 2022, using Hansen et al. [2013] data and methods disclosed therein). This species' dependence on forest is improperly understood but, like other Ceyx, is expected to require some canopy such that the rate of forest cover loss is thought to be broadly representative of population declines.
Conservation and research actions underway
No targeted conservation actions are known for this species. There are two protected areas on the island: Gunung Kapalat Mada (1,380 km2) and Waeapo (50 km2). Although the species' presence in these areas is unconfirmed, it is assumed to occur there.
Conservation and research actions proposed
Conduct repeated surveys in areas within and surrounding the species' range to determine current distribution and abundance, as well as assess population trends. Conduct ecological studies to improve understanding of its precise habitat requirements, tolerance of secondary habitats and response to fragmentation.
14 cm. Beautiful small kingfisher with a startlingly bright pale blue back, rump and uppertail coverts contrasting strongly with blackish blue upperparts. The bill is bright red, and the underparts a rich orange sharply demarcated from the white throat. The head is mostly blackish-blue, but the crown is sparsely dotted with tiny bursts of electric blue, and there is an orange and white patch behind the ear coverts adjoining the nape. Lores are deep orange. Sexes alike.
Text account compilers
Martin, R., Berryman, A.
Contributors
Butchart, S.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Buru Dwarf-kingfisher Ceyx cajeli. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/buru-dwarf-kingfisher-ceyx-cajeli 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.