Data Zone
Justification of Red List category
This species has a restricted range where forest loss and degradation is ongoing. It is is therefore classified as Near Threatened.
Population justification
Surveys by Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) and BirdLife Fiji in 2002-2005 have shown it to occur at higher population densities than previously assumed. WCS surveys estimated parrot numbers in a lowland forest site at Savura, and although there are various errors and biases in extrapolating these densities, dividing the total forest on Viti Levu into native forest, mahogany and pine plantations at various altitudes suggests that the total population could be in the region of 88,000 birds (with 95% confidence limits of 65,605-108,270) (Jackson and Jit 2004). This is roughly equivalent to 40,000-70,000 mature individuals. In 2007 the breeding population was estimated to number c.50,000 pairs (Jackson and Jit 2007) and the population size is thus placed here in the range 40,000-100,000 mature individuals.
Trend justification
Forest loss is low but ongoing in this species' range, equivalent to 2-3% in three generations (Global Forest Watch 2022, based on data from Hansen et al. [2013] and methods disclosed therein). Although forest loss appears to have now stabilised at a lower rate, concern remains over the impact of fragmentation of habitat with continuing forest clearance (Collar and Boesman 2020). The species is therefore precautionarily suspected to be declining, placed here in the range 1-9% in three generations.
Prosopeia personata is endemic to Fiji, occurring only on the island of Viti Levu and perhaps formerly on the nearby island of Ovalau.
It is found in forest and thick secondary growth at all altitudes (although most remaining forest is in the mountainous interior), frequently venturing into mangroves and fruiting trees in farmland and gardens (Clunie 1984, Pratt et al. 1987, Juniper and Parr 1998). However, breeding is probably restricted to mature forest only (Watling 2000). It feeds mostly on fruit, but also flowers, insects, seeds and berries, and nests in holes or a crack in a large forest tree, or a cavity in the top of a stump (Juniper and Parr 1998).
The main threat comes from deforestation (less than 50% of Viti Levu remains forested), the resulting forest fragmentation, and the felling of large trees that are used for nesting (Juniper and Parr 1998). Over the last few decades, native forest was rapidly converted to mahogany plantations, causing significant loss of habitat for the species. This conversion has now largely ended however and forest loss appears to have stabilised at a lower rate, although concern remains over the impact of fragmentation of habitat with continuing forest clearance (Collar and Boesman 2020). There is some domestic traffic, but the "red" shining-parrots (P. splendens and P. tabuensis) are more important, with probably only one in ten shining-parrots in captivity being this species (D. Watling in litt. 2000).
Conservation Actions Underway
CITES Appendix II. It is protected under Fijian law, but existing legislation regarding the capture of wild parrots is inadequate and unenforceable (SPREP 2000). It occurs in several protected areas including Tomaniivi Nature Reserve, Koryanitu National Heritage Park, Colo-i-Suva Forest Park and the Garrick Memorial Park (D. Watling in litt. 2000).
47 cm. Bright green parrot with long tail and striking orange-yellow breast and belly. Head is darker and merges into sooty-black towards the beak. Tail and flight feathers have heavy blue suffusion. Black bill and feet. Immature birds are similar to adults but have horn-coloured bills. Similar spp. Only large native parrot on Viti Levu, though there are a small number of naturalised Crimson Shining-parrot P. splendens from Kadavu and Red Shining-parrot P. tabuensis from Koro, Gau, Vanua Levu and Taveuni, but their red underparts and head are unmistakable. Voice Wide variety of raucous, penetrating squawks and screeches, uttered both in flight and when perched. Hints Can be found in any forested area on Viti Levu.
Text account compilers
Vine, J.
Contributors
Dutson, G. & Watling, D.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Masked Shining-parrot Prosopeia personata. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/masked-shining-parrot-prosopeia-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.