Data Zone
Justification of Red List category
This species has a very small distribution within which fire is causing a continuing decline in habitat extent and quality. The interaction between fire and climate change could plausibly drive the species to Endangered or Vulnerable within a period of one to two generations. For these reasons it is assessed as Near Threatened.
Population justification
The population numbers probably about 2,500-3,000 mature individuals, as was estimated in 2002 (D. Ball in Julien et al. 2020). The figure is consistent with counts of 5,100–7,797 adults and immatures during the non-breeding season (Julien 2017) and estimates made using previous methodologies, e.g.: (1) 2,205–3,160 derived from the product of 0.25 birds/ha (derived from counts in 12 2-ha plots) and the area of vine forest in Eungella National Park (88 km2 above 900 m [excluding the 4.7 km2 burnt in 2019]; Julien et al. 2020); and (2) an estimate of 3,400 (2,400–4,700) which is the product of the density of its closest relative, the Bridled Honeyeater B. frenatus (0.41 birds/ha, 95% confidence 0.29–0.57; Anderson et al. 2015) and the area of high altitude rainforest (88 km2). To encompass these uncertainties, the population is considered here to number between 2,000 and 4,700 mature individuals, with a best estimate of 2,500-3,000.
Trend justification
The population was estimated at 2,500 mature individuals in 2002, which is roughly consistent with counts and estimates from recent years, suggesting that the population is stable (Julien & Garnett 2021). Variation in counts outside the rainforest (Julien 2017) are considered likely to reflect variation in breeding success rather than continuing decline. Population losses caused by wildfires in 2019 are assumed to have ceased, although this threat may become increasingly frequent (with climate change) in the future and has the potential to cause population declines.
When breeding, the species is largely confined to rainforests above 900 m in Eungella National Park in the Clarke Range west of Mackay, Queensland, Australia. After breeding, some adults and many immatures often migrate out of the rainforest to forage on flowering eucalypts at lower altitudes, including parts of the Cathu and Crediton State Forests (Higgins et al. 2001, Julien 2017, Julien and Garnett 2021).
Eungella Honeyeaters live in high-altitude rainforests, with most breeding thought to occur above 900 m altitude. They visit eucalypt and casuarina forests and woodlands at lower altitudes during the non-breeding season when flocks gather around flowering eucalypts. The one nest recorded was a cup containing two eggs (Higgins et al. 2001).
The only proven threat is fire, which burnt 5.3% of the rainforest above 900 m in 2019, and 9.1% of that growing above 800 m. A fire of that intensity had not been recorded before, but tall 200–400 years old flooded gum Eucalyptus grandis within the forest fringe attest to even more extensive fires in the distant past (H.A. Nix pers. comm., in Julien and Garnett 2021).
As a high-altitude species, changes due to climate change might be expected, especially as the temperature in the area has been increasing (Julien 2017). However, they cannot yet be assumed as no evidence of a decline in Bridled Honeyeater abundance was apparent in comprehensive surveys (2000–2017) although many other species had been affected (Williams and de la Fuente 2021). Nevertheless, drought, and probably heat, do affect the flowering of eucalypts (Julien et al. 2020) and can be expected to increase in frequency and intensity (Evans et al. 2017, Herold et al. 2018).
There are also concerns about timber harvesting from the state forests that birds visit in the non-breeding season. However, although counts in some logged forests have declined (Julien 2017), counts are highly variable between years.
Conservation Actions Underway
Almost all breeding habitat lies in a protected area. Listed as threatened under some appropriate legislation. Strong involvement in monitoring from the birdwatching community.
Conservation Actions Proposed
Determine effects of heat and drought on food availability. Standardise monitoring from multiple sites to determine long-term population trends. Assess requirements for management based on research. Develop a climate adaptation plan.
17.2-19.7 cm. A medium-sized honeyeater that is mostly grey with paler underparts and inconspicuous fine streaks on the chest. Dark cheeks are split by a thin white gape mark that wraps back under and behind the bluish eye. Voice Call is a series of sharp, frantic-sounding whistles.
Text account compilers
Berryman, A., Vine, J.
Contributors
Butchart, S.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Eungella Honeyeater Bolemoreus hindwoodi. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/eungella-honeyeater-bolemoreus-hindwoodi on 23/11/2024.
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 23/11/2024.