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

Justification of Red List category
Although this species has a moderately small range, it does not 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). The species may be declining slowly but does not meet or approach the thresholds for Vulnerable under the population trend criterion (>30% decline over ten years or three generations). The population size is large and hence does not 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
Based on an extrapolation of a mean density estimate of 0.354 individuals/ha calculated from 281 point counts at seven forest sites in 1998, the total population is estimated at over 140,000 individuals (Ekstrom et al. 2002). A small population occurs on the Ile des Pins (Gibbs et al. 2001). Assuming only a proportion refers to mature individuals and accounting for uncertainty, the population is placed in the range 100,000-140,000 mature individuals.

Trend justification
This species is thought to be tolerant of relatively disturbed habitat (Ekstrom et al. 2002, Dutson 2011), and forest loss detected by remote sensing data is ongoing at only a slow rate (c.2-3% within three generations) within this species' range (Global Forest Watch 2024, using data from Hansen et al. [2013] and methods disclosed therein). However, this does not take into account additional impacts of degradation which are plausibly driving slow declines. The species is also thought to be hunted rarely despite this being prohibited, though the impact of this has not been quantified. Though the species appears to remain common and widespread throughout its range (Ekstrom et al. 2002, V. Chartendrault and N. Barré in litt. 2007, Dutson 2011), it is precautionarily suspected to be in slow decline given the ongoing threats. However, there is currently no evidence that the species is declining at a rate approaching threatened thresholds (>20% in three generations).

Drepanoptila holosericea is endemic to New Caledonia (to France) where it is common in suitable habitat throughout the main island. Although it is absent from the Loyalty islands, it is present on the Ile des Pins, where it is common (V. Chartendrault and N. Barré in litt. 2007).

It occupies a wide range of habitats, including primary and secondary humid forest to 1,000 m and Melaleuca savanna (Y. Létocart verbally 1998, Ekstrom et al. 2000, V. Chartendrault and N. Barré in litt. 2007). It appears to prefer humid forest between 400-600 m and to favour the forest edge (V. Chartendrault and N. Barré in litt. 2007, C. Meresse in litt. 2009).

The impact of hunting has not been quantified, but levels previously thought to be very low owing to cartridge quotas meaning that hunters save their ammunition for larger targets, particularly New Caledonian Imperial-pigeon Ducula goliath (V. Chartendrault and N. Barré in litt. 2007, V. Chartendrault in litt. 2009). The species may be affected by habitat loss and degradation with forest being lost to fire, logging, agriculture and mining (Société Calédonienne d’Ornithologie in litt. 2024). Javan deer Rusa timorensis also degrade suitable habitat and prevent forest regeneration (Société Calédonienne d’Ornithologie in litt. 2024). The species is tolerant of relatively disturbed habitat (Ekstrom et al. 2002) and remote sensing data indicates that forest loss is proceeding only slowly within the range however (Global Forest Watch 2024, using data from Hansen et al. [2013] and methods disclosed therein); any declines are therefore likely to be proceeding only slowly.

Conservation Actions Underway
It is protected by law, although some hunting still takes place.

Conservation Actions Proposed
Effectively protect lowland forests. Monitor populations in key sites. Intensify awareness campaigns in local communities to enforce the protection of the species. Maintain a quota on cartridges.

Text account compilers
Vine, J.

Contributors
Barré, N., Chartendrault, V., Létocart, Y., Meresse, C. & Société Calédonienne d’Ornithologie, ..

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Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Cloven-feathered Dove Drepanoptila holosericea. Downloaded from https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/cloven-feathered-dove-drepanoptila-holosericea 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.