Data Zone
Justification of Red List category
This montane passerine is known from just two or three locations, and it qualifies as Endangered on account of its very small range, which may be declining as a result of forest loss. Further surveys may reveal it to be more common and widespread, perhaps warranting a review of its threat status.
Population justification
The population is estimated to number 2,500-9,999 mature individuals, based on the analysis by BirdLife International (2001) that the population numbers at least several hundred, and very possibly several thousands. This estimate equates to 3,750-14,999 individuals, rounded here to 3,500-15,000 individuals.
Trend justification
Information on the species's population status is lacking, but a negative slow to moderate trend is precautionarily suspected, as some habitat degradation is thought to be occurring within its range.
Madanga ruficollis is endemic to the island of Buru in South Maluku, Indonesia, where it is known from four specimens collected prior to 1920, and recent records from localities in mountains in the west and centre of the island (BirdLife International 2001, Rheindt and Hutchinson 2007). Its total population size is entirely unknown. However, given that the area of habitat available is fairly extensive, at least several hundred birds, and very possibly several thousand, would be expected to survive. Nonetheless, its range is very small, and current evidence indicates that it is either highly elusive, very localised, or occurs at very low densities.
The birds seen in 1995 were following a mixed-species feeding flock in montane forest, and climbing up and down mossy tree-trunks in the manner of nuthatches Sitta spp. It has been recorded between 820 m and 1,750 m; however, it is suspected to also occur at higher elevations, and it is possible that the lower elevation of 820 m is erroneous, as the species appears to be strongly tied to montane forest (Rheindt and Hutchinson 2007, R. Hutchinson in litt. 2012). It is assumed to be resident, but may perhaps make local altitudinal movements.
This bird is primarily at risk owing to its highly restricted range and, based on current evidence, apparent natural scarcity. Thus, although montane forests on Buru are still largely undisturbed, even a small perturbation of its habitat might have serious consequences, and none of its habitat currently receives formal protection. Some habitat destruction is thought to be on-going as a result of logging and conversion to small-scale agriculture; however, montane forest is less threatened compared to that in lowland areas (R. Hutchinson in litt. 2012).
Conservation Actions Underway
One recent survey on the island accessed suitable habitat for the species. All known records come from a proposed protected area: Gunung Kelapatmada (M. Poulsen in litt. 2007).
13 cm. Small, drab, forest-dwelling, warbler-like bird. Grey head, rufous-orange throat. Olive-green upperparts, grey underparts. Yellowish-brown undertail-coverts. Black bill and legs. Similar spp. Male Cinnamon-chested Flycatcher Ficedula buruensis is much darker above and more extensively rufous on underparts. Voice Undocumented.
Text account compilers
Benstead, P., Gilroy, J., Taylor, J.
Contributors
Hutchinson, R., Poulsen, M.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Madanga Madanga ruficollis. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/madanga-madanga-ruficollis 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.