Data Zone
Justification of Red List category
This rare and poorly known species is suspected to be declining moderately rapidly throughout its range as a result of deforestation and habitat degradation. It is therefore considered Near Threatened, but further studies are urgently required to improve our understanding of its status and ecology.
Population justification
The population size of this species has not been quantified, but it is described as uncommon to rare (Eaton et al. 2021). Citizen science data (eBird 2022) suggest it is really very scarce, although it is unobtrusive and is easily overlooked.
Trend justification
This species is mostly confined to lowland closed-canopy forest and is therefore suspected to be declining moderately rapidly in response to ongoing forest loss in its range.
Remote sensing data indicate that in the ten years to 2021, forest cover in this species' range was reduced by c.23% (Global Forest Watch 2022, based on data from Hansen et al. [2013] and methods disclosed therein). This is thought to be broadly representative of population declines, which may in fact be steeper than remote sensing data alone suggest, due to unquantified impacts of habitat fragmentation. The population decline is therefore suspected to have been equivalent to 20-29% in the past 10 years and the same rate of reduction is suspected to occur in the future, with little sign of Sundaic lowland forest loss abating.
Indicator archipelagicus is very local and sparse to uncommon (although easily overlooked) in peninsular and west Thailand, Sabah, Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore, Kalimantan and Sumatra, Indonesia and Brunei (BirdLife International 2001).
This species occurs sporadically in broadleaved lowland evergreen forest, up to 900 m. It also occurs occasionally in gardens and cacao plantations, in areas with adjacent primary forest, as well as in logged forest, although it is probably rare there and occurs only when near good forest (D. L. Yong in litt. 2016). Its occurrence is associated with open nesting honeybees (Apis dorsata and A. florae). It is unknown whether this species is an obligate brood parasite, as in other members of the family.
Rates of forest loss in the Sundaic lowlands have been extremely rapid (Global Forest Watch 2022) and this is the main threat to this forest-dependent species. Forest fires have locally also had a damaging effect.
Conservation Actions Underway
None is known, although it occurs in a number of protected areas.
Conservation Actions Proposed
Conduct repeated surveys across the species' range to determine the magnitude of declines and rates of range contraction. Conduct ecological studies to determine precise habitat requirements and breeding biology, as well as tolerance of secondary habitats and response to fragmentation. Campaign for the protection of remaining tracts of lowland forest throughout the species' range.
Text account compilers
Berryman, A.
Contributors
Yong, D., Gilroy, J., Wheatley, H., Benstead, P., Taylor, J. & Westrip, J.R.S.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Malaysian Honeyguide Indicator archipelagicus. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/malaysian-honeyguide-indicator-archipelagicus on 22/11/2024.
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 22/11/2024.