Data Zone
Justification of Red List category
Although this species occurs as a single, relatively small population, there is little indication that it is declining; it may in fact be benefitting from ongoing forest degradation on Seram. For this reason it is listed as Least Concern.
Population justification
The species is recorded at a density of four mature individuals/km2 on Seram (Marsden 1998). Its mapped range totals c.15,000 km2, although only a portion (20-30%) of this is thought to be occupied given its description as 'uncommon' (Eaton et al. 2021) and the fact some of the habitat is likely unsuitable. The population is therefore estimated at 12,000-18,000 mature individuals.
Trend justification
There are no specific population data available for this species, although it is suspected of being stable. Logging, which is considered the main plausible threat, probably benefits this species given its preference for open, degraded habitats (Poulsen 2004). Localised hunting, as described by Poulsen (2004), is considered unlikely to be driving population declines.
Todiramphus lazuli occurs in Indonesia, where it is restricted to the island of Seram, as well as small adjacent islands of Ambon and Haruku (BirdLife International 2001). Although it is common in some areas, it is sparsely distributed and absent from many sites with apparently suitable habitat (Poulsen 2004). It occurs largely on the coast, and is apparently absent from much of the interior of Seram.
This species is recorded from forest edges, secondary growth and cleared areas with scattered trees (habitat that is gradually increasing in extent). Many recent records also come from open farmland, and there are few records from the interior of primary forest (Poulsen 2004). It typically occurs below 600-700 m, but has on one occasion been recorded up to 1,100 m (Eaton et al. 2021). It nests in arboreal termite nests, many of which are now found in coconut plantations (Poulsen 2004).
Despite fears that it might be suffering from habitat loss, this species appears to thrive in heavily degraded coastal habitats (Poulsen 2004). Localised hunting may be a threat but is unlikely to be causing any considerable declines in the species' population.
Conservation Actions Underway
No targeted conservation actions are known for this species.
Conservation Actions Proposed
Conduct detailed studies of its ecological requirements, including habitat associations, in order to understand its scarcity in many apparently suitable areas. Conduct repeated surveys of sites throughout the range in order to monitor population trends. Assess the threat posed by trapping pressure. If found to be a significant threat, try to reduce trapping pressure through education and awareness campaigns.
Text account compilers
Berryman, A.
Contributors
Benstead, P., Gilroy, J. & Taylor, J.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Lazuli Kingfisher Todiramphus lazuli. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/lazuli-kingfisher-todiramphus-lazuli 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.