Data Zone
Justification of Red List category
This species has a very small range, in which its forest habitat is declining owing to loss and degradation. It is therefore assessed as Near Threatened.
Population justification
BirdLife Fiji surveys found this species to be fairly common in native forests, with 36 birds recorded (mostly calling males) in 23.5 hours in a mixed lowland and montane site, and 13 birds in 15 hours at a montane site. Estimating an average pace of 1 km/hour and an effective detection distance of 25 m each side of the trail, this suggests that around 31 and 17 birds were detected per km2 at these sites. There are a number of likely errors in this estimate, which must be treated as very provisional.
The area of dense and medium-dense forest on Kadavu is around 225 km2, suggesting that the total population falls in the band 2,500-9,999 birds (unpublished data from Fiji IBA project via G. Dutson in litt. 2005). This equates to 1,667-6,666 mature individuals, rounded here to 1,500-7,000 mature individuals.
The species also occurs on the island of Ono, which probably constitutes a separate subpopulation as fantails rarely cross the sea, totalling about 5% of the total population.
Trend justification
The population is suspected to be declining owing to forest loss and degradation. For the ten years to 2021, remote sensing data indicate that c.2% of forest was lost in this species' range (Global Forest Watch 2022, using data from Hansen et al. [2013] and methods disclosed therein), although this is likely to accelerate slightly (to an equivalent rate of 2-4%) in the future based on losses in 2016-2021. Agricultural encroachment is considered the main cause of forest loss (Conservation International Pacific Islands Program 2013) and Kadavu has suffered extensive fires (unpublished data from Fiji IBA project via G. Dutson in litt. 2005) which are increasing in frequency (Boles 2020).
Rhipidura personata is endemic to Kadavu and the satellite island of Ono, Fiji.
An insectivorous bird of primary and secondary moist forest, it generally forages in the substage or lower canopy, making brief sallies after flying insects or gleaning in the foliage (Watling 2001).
Habitat loss and degradation caused by fires and agricultural encroachment are the main threats to the species. The growing human population on Kadavu and degradation of agricultural areas are increasing pressure to clear more forest (Conservational International Pacific Islands Program 2013).
Conservation Actions Underway
It is protected by law in Fiji.
15 cm. Typical fantail with conspicuous facial and breast patterns. Dark earth-brown head, neck and cheeks contrast with two separate white eye marks and white throat. The latter is bordered by a black band which separates it from the remaining creamy buff underparts. The back and wings are dark brown, the long tail black tipped with white. Hints Any forest area on Kadavu and Ono.
Text account compilers
Vine, J.
Contributors
Dutson, G.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Kadavu Fantail Rhipidura personata. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/kadavu-fantail-rhipidura-personata 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.