Data Zone
Justification of Red List category
This species has a very restricted range, where habitat loss and degradation are ongoing. It is therefore assessed as Near Threatened.
Population justification
The population size has not been directly estimated, however the species is described as widespread and common on Kadavu (Collar et al. 2020). Given that the species appears to occur at similar population densities to the Masked Shining-parrot (Prosopeia personata) (86 Crimson Shining-parrots were recorded in 38 standardised observer-hours on two surveys, similar to the mean of 1.9 Masked Shining-parrots per hour recorded at 18 sites across Viti Levu), the population has been inferred to number 6,000 birds or 4,000 mature individuals (Jackson and Jit 2004) and is placed in the range 3,000-5,000, although this is highly uncertain (USFWS 2011).
Trend justification
The population trend has not been quantified. Forest loss is occurring at a rate equivalent to 4-5% over three generations (Global Forest Watch 2022, based on data from Hansen et al. [2013] and methods disclosed therein) and appears to have accelerated based on losses in 2017-2021. However, the species is not restricted to primary forest and occurs in degraded habitat (Juniper and Parr 1998, Watling 2001). As such, although forest loss may affect the species, it may not be causing substantial declines overall. Birds are reportedly captured in small numbers and there may be some illegal trade overseas (Watling 2000, J. S. Kretzschmar in litt. 2000), though this is not currently thought to be a significant threat to the species (USFWS 2011). Overall, the population trend is considered to be unknown.
Prosopeia splendens is endemic to Fiji where it occurs naturally on the islands of Kadavu and Ono, and has been reported to be widespread and common on the former (G. Dutson pers. obs. 2000, J. S. Kretzschmar in litt. 2000). The birds on Ono island are believed to be the same subpopulation as on the nearby main island of Kadavu. Reports of breeding on other islands need to be confirmed and are likely to originate from long-lived escaped cage-birds (D. Watling verbally 2000).
It is found in forest, mangrove, agricultural lands and around human habitation both in the lowlands and hills (Juniper and Parr 1998, Watling 2001). It is assumed to be a hole-nester like P. tabuensis (Juniper and Parr 1998). The species is not restricted to the forest during breeding (D. Watling verbally 2000), as nests have been found in trees in the centre of the villages (M. Tabudravu in litt. 2012). Pairs and small flocks forage widely for fruit and seeds, both in the forest canopy and in agricultural gardens (G. Dutson pers. obs. 2000).
Forest on Kadavu was heavily logged in the late 1960s and early 1970s and habitat loss and degradation for agricultural purposes continues, though 75% of the island remains forested (Watling 2000, V. Masibalavu in litt. 2007). The species also uses degraded habitats such that although forest loss may affect the species, it may not be driving significant declines. Forest loss is slow but ongoing within the range (c.4-5% over three generations [Global Forest Watch 2022, based on data from Hansen et al. [2013] and methods disclosed therein]). The growing human population on Kadavu and degradation of agricultural areas are increasing pressure to clear more forest (Conservational International Pacific Islands Program 2013). Forest fires are an additional threat (G. Dutson in litt. 2005), although conservation actions targeting forest fires have improved (M. Tabudravu in litt. 2012). Most river estuaries and bays still hold large areas of mangroves which are intensively used by P. splendens for feeding (and perhaps breeding), although pressure on mangrove forest is not significant at present (J. S. Kretzschmar in litt. 2000, D. Watling in litt. 2007). It reportedly captured in small numbers, with birds being taken as gifts by islanders returning to the capital, Suva (Watling 2000), and there may be at least some illegal trade overseas (J. S. Kretzschmar in litt. 2000), although this is not considered to be a significant threat to the species (USFWS 2011).
Conservation Actions Underway
CITES Appendix II. It is protected under Fijian law, which has recently been revised, the old Birds & Game Act has in part been surpassed by the Endangered Species Protection Act which does provide it with protection (SPREP 2000, D. Watling in litt. 2007). Conservation projects have reduced trade in this species (Jackson and Jit 2004). Four communities have set up a community declared protected area covering 1,535 hectares of forest and local volunteers monitor bird populations and assess habitat status under their own initiative (V. Masibalavu in litt. 2007). Conservation actions targeting fire prevention (particularly awareness-raising following the change in decree relating to fire offences) have improved (V. Masibalavu in litt. 2012, M. Tabudravu in litt. 2012).
45 cm. Scarlet-and-green parrot with long tail. Scarlet-crimson head, neck and underparts. Narrow blue collar extends across lower neck. Bright green wings, back and rump. Green flight feathers and tail, strongly suffused with blue. Similar spp. Much larger and longer-tailed than the only other parrot on Kadavu, Collared Lory Phigys solitarius. Very similar to the allopatric Maroon Shining-parrot Prosopeia tabuensis but head and underparts bright crimson and has broad blue hind collar. Voice Noisy, giving a variety of raucous squawks, dry rattles and screeches. Hints Look anywhere in or near the forest on Kadavu and Ono.
Text account compilers
Vine, J.
Contributors
Dutson, G., Kretzschmar, J.P., Masibalavu, V.A., O'Brien, M., Tabudravu, M. & Watling, D.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Crimson Shining-parrot Prosopeia splendens. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/crimson-shining-parrot-prosopeia-splendens 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.