Data Zone
Justification of Red List category
This unusual-looking pigeon is endemic to the small island of Obi, Indonesia, where it is confined to lowland forest. Habitat loss for nickel mining and plantations is ongoing, and for these reasons the species is listed as Vulnerable.
Population justification
The population size of this species has not been formally estimated. It is described as 'scarce' by Lambert (1994) and 'uncommon' by Eaton et al. (2021) but is an elusive species that is easily overlooked (Bashari 2011, Mittermeier et al. 2013). Nonetheless, with only 1,200 km2 of forest within its range (per Global Forest Watch 2023), and suggestion that it is uncommon, it is possible that its population size is relatively small. Precautionarily, the population size is therefore placed in the bracket of 2,500-10,000 mature individuals, but this requires confirmation.
Trend justification
This species is believed to be strictly dependent on lowland forest (Eaton et al. 2021). In the three generations (c.12 years; Bird et al. 2020) to 2022, forest cover in this species' mapped range reduced by 15% (Global Forest Watch 2023, based on data from Hansen et al. [2013] and methods disclosed therein). Although it is at least somewhat tolerant of degradation, most habitat losses on Obi have amounted to total clearance to make way for mines and large-scale plantations. As a frugivore, that appears to be at least partially nomadic, it may depend on a network of feeding sites that vary spatially and temporally, making it especially vulnerable to habitat losses. Moreover, as a large-bodied species, it may be subject to some hunting pressure, although this species is elusive and other large-bodied species (e.g. other pigeons) on Obi are relatively common; hence hunting is considered only a minor threat. Overall the species is suspected to have declined by 15-25% over the past three generations, and the same rate is precautionarily suspected to occur in the future, with no mitigation of threats apparent and none of Obi's lowland forests protected (UNEP-WCMC and IUCN 2023).
Ptilinopus granulifrons is endemic to the island of Obi, North Maluku, Indonesia (BirdLife International 2001).
It inhabits primary, lowland evergreen and semi-evergreen rainforest and a mosaic of scrub and lightly wooded cultivation, up to 550 m, generally frequenting the canopy and subcanopy, where it feeds chiefly on fruit. It is assumed to be resident, but it may perhaps make local movements in response to fruiting events. Has been observed foraging on fruit trees in groups of up to 40 individuals (Mittermeier et al. 2013, eBird 2023).
The principal threat to this species is forest loss, which on Obi has principally been carried out to make way for mines (nickel) and plantations, rather than directly for timber extraction (which remains a lesser threat). Combined, these removed 15% of canopy cover in this species' range between 2008 and 2022 (Global Forest Watch 2023, based on data from Hansen et al. [2013] and methods disclosed therein). Hunting is likely to occur locally, but is not thought capable of causing substantial declines.
Conservation Actions Underway
No targeted actions are known. The centre of Obi is protected as a forest reserve (UNEP-WCMC and IUCN 2023), although this is at an elevation likely too high for this species and, in any instance, its designation is poorly enforced.
Conservation Actions Proposed
Conduct further surveys to clarify its current distribution, status and ecological requirements (particularly tolerance of habitat degradation). Investigate levels of hunting on Obi. Identify and establish a protected area in the island's lowlands, catering for this species and other endemic fauna. Conduct local awareness campaigns on the endemic avifauna.
20-24 cm. Medium-sized, arboreal pigeon. Largely green, strongly tinged golden-yellow. Grey head, patches on scapulars and inner wing-coverts. Purple patch on belly edged with yellow. Pale yellow undertail-coverts and vent. Protruberant fleshy knob on cere. Male has yellowish bill, female has greenish bill. Similar spp. Blue-capped Fruit-dove P. monacha lacks caruncle, has blue cap, yellow throat and flash behind eye. Scarlet-breasted Fruit-dove P. bernsteini also lacks caruncle, male has scarlet patch on breast. Voice Apparently undifferentiated from P hyogastrus (Eaton et al. 2021).
Text account compilers
Berryman, A.
Contributors
Bashari, B., Benstead, P., Bird, J., Davidson, P., Martin, R., Mittermeier, J., North, A., Taylor, J. & Tobias, J.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Carunculated Fruit-dove Ptilinopus granulifrons. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/carunculated-fruit-dove-ptilinopus-granulifrons 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.