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

Justification of Red List category
This species has an extremely restricted range where there may be an ongoing decline in the quality of its forest habitat. It is therefore classified as Near Threatened.

Population justification
The global population size has not been estimated directly. This species is very poorly known due to its extremely restricted range and inaccessible habitat, and is unobtrusive and likely overlooked (Dutson 2011, Quelennec and Quelennec 2017). One specimen was taken in 1953 (Cain and Galbraith 1956) and singles were seen in 1994 and 1997 (Gibbs 1996, G. Dutson pers. obs. 1997). One individual was observed at 1,600 m on Mt. Mbutohaina in 2013, and two occupied territories were found in 2016 (M. Lagerqvist in litt. 2016, Quelennec and Quelennec 2017). Some surveys in suitable habitat have failed to locate the species at all (F. Lambert in litt. 2019). An accurate quantification of the population size is urgently required.

Trend justification
Forest loss detected by remote sensing data (Global Forest Watch 2023, using Hansen et al. [2013] data and methods disclosed therein) has been very low over the past three generations (<1%, or c.1-2% including the possibly extant range). As a terrestrial species, it may also be affected by introduced mammalian predators, especially cats and rats which are relatively common at high altitudes on Guadalcanal (T. Leary in litt. 2000). As there are so few records of this species and the threats are poorly understood, the population trend is considered unknown.

This species is endemic to Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, where known only from Turipava above Honiara (Dutson 2011).

The 1994 and 1997 birds were singing at 1,450-1,500 m at the altitudinal intergrade of montane and mossy forest, where it occurs with Island Thrush Turdus poliocephalus (Gibbs 1996, G. Dutson pers. obs. 1997). Subsequent records have recorded the species up to 1,600 m (M. Lagerqvist in litt. 2016, Quelennec and Quelennec 2017). However, its precise elevational limits are not known and may be wider given the presence of other Zoothera thrushes at lower elevations. It is presumably a typical, largely terrestrial, ground thrush.

Although it may occur above the altitudes of logging and other human causes of forest degradation, intensive logging on west Guadalcanal may have had a negative impact on the species' habitat as some of these operations occurred in hill forest habitats and have altered the hydrology of the area (C. Filardi in litt. 2012). In addition, mining activity may be a potential threat (C. Filardi in litt. 2012, M. Lagerqvist in litt. 2016). Forest loss detected by remote sensing data (Global Forest Watch 2023, using Hansen et al. [2013] data and methods disclosed therein) has been low over the past three generations (<1%, or c. 1-2% including the possibly extant range). As a terrestrial species, it may also be affected by introduced mammalian predators, especially cats and rats which are relatively common at high altitudes on Guadalcanal (T. Leary in litt. 2000).

Conservation Actions Underway
No targeted conservation actions for this species are known.

Conservation Actions Proposed
Conduct further surveys to obtain up-to-date data on the species, and quantify the population size and trend.  Survey other high mountains on Guadalcanal. Assess the threat from introduced plants and mammals, and implement control measures. Work with land-owning communities to conserve large areas of suitable habitat.

20 cm. Small dark grey-brown thrush. Upperparts plain with faint buffy eye-ring and fading more rufous onto rump. Throat paler and underparts spotted off-white, with more prominent, larger spots on belly. Bill dark, long legs dark fleshy-horn. Similar spp. Island Thrush Turdus poliocephalus plain brown with yellow bill, eye-ring and legs, juveniles duller with irregular tawny and orange spots. Voice Loud, clear song with repeated phrases.

Text account compilers
Vine, J.

Contributors
Dutson, G., Leary, T., Filardi, C., Lagerqvist, M. & Lambert, F.

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Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Guadalcanal Thrush Zoothera turipavae. Downloaded from https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/guadalcanal-thrush-zoothera-turipavae on 22/12/2024.
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 22/12/2024.