Data Zone
Justification of Red List category
This species is suspected to have a small population that is declining within a very small range, confined to the islands of Grand Comoro and Anjouan. It is therefore listed as Near Threatened.
Population justification
The global population size has not been quantified, but the species is reported to be relatively common on Grande Comore and rare on Anjouan (Louette 2008, K. Green in litt. 2014, M. Louette in litt. 2014, G. Rocamora in litt. 2014). During intensive point count surveys on Anjouan in 2010-2011, only 81 records of this species were obtained in 13 sites (K. Green in litt. 2014).
It is suspected that the population numbers less than 2,500 mature individuals in total, including over 1,000 mature individuals in the population on Grande Comore. It is therefore placed in the band of 1,000-2,499 mature individuals, which is assumed to equate to c.1,500-3,800 individuals in total.
Trend justification
The population is suspected to be in slow decline owing to on-going habitat loss. Tree cover loss within the range is currently estimated at approximately 6% across the past three generations (16 years; Global Forest Watch 2023, using Hansen et al. [2013] data and methods disclosed therein), likely accelerating to 7% between 2013 and 2028, and considering this habitat loss is ongoing, it is also suspected to continue at a similar, albeit slightly lower, rate over the next three generations, based on the average annual rate of decline of the past five years. However, the species does also occur in agroforests and other degraded woodlands (G. Rocamora in litt. 2014), so forest loss alone is unlikely to drive any major declines. Population declines are overall therefore suspected to not exceed 10% over three generations.
Coracopsis sibilans is resident on the Grande Comore and Anjouan islands in the Comoros (Ekstrom 2013). It is described as relatively common throughout the forest (particularly mid-elevation) on Mount Karthala, on Grande Comore, and occurring in low numbers in the small, degraded and declining area of upland forest habitat on Anjouan (Louette et al. 2004, 2008; Ekstrom 2013, K. Green in litt. 2014, M. Louette in litt. 2014, G. Rocamora in litt. 2014, Kirwan et al. 2022).
The species is closely associated with, and dependent on, evergreen forest (Kirwan et al. 2022), but it has been noted to use agroforests and other degraded woodlands on Grande Comore (G. Rocamora in litt. 2014), and is reported to be a pest of cacao plantations, apparently feeding mainly on seeds (reviewed by Ekstrom 2013, Kirwan et al. 2022).
This species is threatened by on-going habitat destruction (Ekstrom 2013), assumed to be driven primarily by logging for timber and fuelwood (G. Rocamora in litt. 2014), as well as the encroachment of agriculture and the expansion of settlements.
Conservation Actions Underway
Surveys have been carried out in recent years to collect data on this species (K. Green in litt. 2014).
Conservation Actions Proposed
Carry out further surveys to quantify the population and trends on Grande Comore and Anjouan. Conduct research into the species' ecology and habitat requirements, including diet. Monitor rates of habitat loss through satellite images and surveys.
Protect remaining areas of suitable habitat. Restore native habitats used by the species.
Text account compilers
Rotton, H., Rutherford, C.A.
Contributors
Butchart, S., Doulton, H., Ekstrom, J., Green, K., Louette, M., Rocamora, G., Safford, R., Symes, A., Taylor, J. & Westrip, J.R.S.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Comoro Parrot Coracopsis sibilans. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/comoro-parrot-coracopsis-sibilans on 04/12/2024.
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 04/12/2024.