• Summary
• Text account
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Justification of Red List category

Although this species may have a small range, it is not believed to approach the thresholds for Vulnerable under the range size criterion (Extent of Occurrence <20,000 km² combined with a declining or fluctuating range size, habitat extent/quality, or population size and a small number of locations or severe fragmentation). The population trend is suspected to be stable, and hence does not approach the thresholds for Vulnerable under the population trend criterion (>30% decline over ten years or three generations). The population size may be suspected to be small, but it is not believed to approach the thresholds for Vulnerable under the population size criterion (<10,000 mature individuals with a continuing decline estimated to be >10% in ten years or three generations, or with a specified population structure). For these reasons the species is evaluated as Least Concern.

Population justification
The species is described as locally common (Dutson 2011). On Tong, 40 individuals were seen in six hours in 1997 (G. Dutson pers. obs. 1997). The population size is suspected to fall into the band 2,500-9,999 individuals. This equates to 1,667-6,666 mature individuals, rounded here to 1,500-7,000 mature individuals.

Trend justification
Although it disappeared from Manus for unknown reasons during the last century, this species is currently not thought to be declining. Remote sensing data indicate minimal forest loss (<2%) in its range within the last ten years (Global Forest Watch 2022, using data from Hansen et al. [2013] and methods disclosed therein), and the species is tolerant of degradation. The population is tentatively suspected to be stable.

Rhipidura semirubra is endemic to the Admiralty Islands of Papua New Guinea. It was historically common on Manus where it was noted to be "common everywhere in true forest and secondary bush", but there are no records from Manus since 1934 (Dutson and Newman 1991). More recently it has only been seen on a handful of small islands in the archipelago: Rambutyo, Tong, San Miguel, Pak, Anobat (in the San Miguel Islands) and Sivisa (in the Fedarb Islands) (Silva 1975, Tolhurst 1993, D. Gibbs in litt. 1994, K.M. Kisokau in litt. 1994, Dutson 2011). There are also recent records on Hawei (eBird 2022). It is likely to occur on other small islands which have not been visited by ornithologists.

Historic records from Manus and recent records from Tong indicate that it is a forest species tolerant of extreme habitat degradation, including scrub and overgrown coconut plantations (Silva 1975, Dutson and Newman 1991, D. Gibbs in litt. 1994, Dutson 2011). In all other respects, it is a typical member of the Rufous Fantail R. rufifrons group (G. Dutson pers. obs. 1997).

The reason for this species' disappearance from Manus is unknown, but may be be related to an introduced species or disease. The Brown Tree Snake Boiga irregularis, which has exterminated similar species on Guam, is apparently native to Manus and is not thought to be a threat (Dutson and Newman 1991, R.E. Beck in litt. 1992). Islanders suggest that its absence from Manus is a result of high numbers of White-naped Friarbird Philemon albitorques (this species occurs on Manus only), in the increased area of villages and gardens (D. Gibbs in litt. 1994). However, it seems unlikely that these two species did not coexist historically given that R. semirubra was so common and widespread. The populations on the smallest islands such as Anobat and Sivisa may be threatened by complete clearance of natural vegetation.

Conservation Actions Underway
None is known.

Conservation Actions Proposed
Survey other small islands in the Admiralties and confirm its presence or absence. Assess population size on Tong. Assess distribution, population level and trends on Rambutyo. Interview local villagers about population trends on each island. Interview local villagers across Manus about this species's present or historic occurrence. Determine habitat requirements. Ascertain area of forest and rates of clearance on all occupied islands. Investigate the cause of its decline and disappearance from Manus through comparing distribution with that of various introduced and predatory species. Monitor numbers on Tong. Publicise this species' range and status through public awareness discussions.

15 cm. Rufous, black-and-white fantail. Red-rufous upperparts with darker wings and white-tipped dark tail. Black mask and breast-band border white throat. Lower breast has black spots. Otherwise plain buff underparts. Similar spp. The only other fantail in range is Northern Fantail R. rufiventris, which is grey-brown and white. Voice Thin, scratchy song. Hints Easily seen by chartering a boat to Tong.

Text account compilers
Vine, J.

Contributors
Beck, R., Derhé, M., Dutson, G., Gibbs, D., Gregory, P., Kisokau, K.M., Mack, A., Mahood, S., O'Brien, A. & Stattersfield, A.

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Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Manus Fantail Rhipidura semirubra. Downloaded from https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/manus-fantail-rhipidura-semirubra on 23/11/2024.
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 23/11/2024.