• Summary
• Text account
• Data table and detailed info
• Distribution map
• Reference and further resources

Justification of Red List category
This kingfisher is restricted to a single, small island where its total population may number fewer than 10,000 mature individuals. It is inferred to be declining because of ongoing habitat loss and degradation and is therefore listed as Vulnerable.

Population justification
Using variable distance point-transect surveys at 46 stations, Kesler et al. (2010) found that in undeveloped upland forests (i.e. those probably most suitable) this species can occur at density up to 240 birds/km². Based on their methodology,  the majority of these are assumed to be mature individuals; the density is therefore set arbitrarily to 170-210 mature individuals/km². Although ZoBell and Furnas (2017) found the species to be present in habitat they designated as 'agricultural', their survey sites were all in close proximity to forest and had scattered trees. In other areas of the island, clearance has been more extensive and given this species' dependence on trees with capacity for cavity excavation for nesting, in these areas it is assumed to be absent. A coarse GIS exercise suggests there is c.80 km² of suitable habitat now on the island yielding an absolute maximum of  c.13,600-16,800 mature individuals. However, it must also be acknowledged that density estimates were made in the most suitable habitats for this species and there is a considered here a reasonable chance the species' population size falls below 10,000 mature individuals. The population size is therefore broadly thought to comprise 7,500-15,000 mature individuals in the absence of a more accurate exercise that quantifies land cover on the island.

Trend justification
ZoBall and Furnas (2017) found that localities that were degraded (areas of forest converted to agriculture), had more non-native birds than native species, and the presence of non-native birds was negatively associated with the presence of the Moorea Kingfisher (see also Wray 2013). In more extreme examples of clearance on the island, the species is assumed to be absent, or at least not breeding, since the latter requires trees with capacity for cavity excavation (see Kesler et al. 2010). Global Forest Watch (2022) data are not available for Mo'orea such that estimating a rate of habitat clearance is not possible, however satellite data (Google Earth 2021) show the expansion of some urban areas and clearance of native forest between 2014 and 2019. Given ongoing clearance and degradation is thought to be causing losses in kingfisher territories (V. ZoBell in litt. 2022), the population is inferred to be declining.

Todiramphus youngi is endemic to the island of Moorea, French Polynesia (Kesler et al. 2010, ZoBell and Furnas 2017).

Occurs in primary and secondary forest throughout Moorea, and less commonly in agricultural areas with scattered trees close to forest (ZoBell and Furnas 2017). Encountered singly or in pairs in mid levels of forest; the nest is excavated in rotting branches and trunks (Fry and Fry 1999).

There is some habitat loss and degradation resulting from conversion for tourism, expanding human settlements and small-scale agriculture (Google Earth 2021), leading to proliferations of non-native species which are negatively associated with T. youngi. In addition, 35% of native vegetation on Moorea (49 km²) has already been lost because of the invasion of nine alien plant species introduced during the modern (European) period, and these invasive plants have lead to an overall fragmentation level of 70% for native vegetation, which rises to 95% in the 0-400 m elevation range apparently favoured by the kingfisher (Pouteau et al. 2013). Only 1% of the island can be considered pristine vegetation and the remaining area (64%) is highly altered (Pouteau et al. 2013). These invasive plants may aggravate the risk of biodiversity loss caused by deforestation and the human-accelerated frequency of fires.

Conservation and Research Actions Underway
No targeted action is known.

Conservation and Research Actions Proposed
Conduct regular multispecies bird surveys to obtain robust population (or occupancy) estimates and trends in relation to land use patterns and non-native avifauna (ZoBell and Furnas 2017). Research the effect of the spread of non-native vegetation on the species. Encourage management practices that preserve suitable nesting trees. Prioritise conservation of native forest habitats. Continue to monitor habitat trends.

21 cm. An atypical member of the genus, completely lacking the strong colours of most other species and instead being largely faded pale grey-brown above and whitish below, with faintly-streaked brown breast band. Similar species. T. veneratus and T. tatus both have largely dark green or turquoise upperparts; the female of T. veneratus is browner but has a strongly defined blackish-brown breast band. Voice. A measured "kleeu, kleeu, kleeu".

Text account compilers
Berryman, A.

Contributors
Butchart, S.H.M., Martin, R., Symes, A. & ZoBell, V.

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Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Moorea Kingfisher Todiramphus youngi. Downloaded from https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/moorea-kingfisher-todiramphus-youngi on 24/11/2024.
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 24/11/2024.