Data Zone
Justification of Red List category
This species has a small population restricted to the Natewa Peninsula where it is thought to be declining primarily due to the ongoing loss and degradation of its habitat. It is therefore assessed as Vulnerable.
Population justification
The population is roughly estimated to number 3,895 mature individuals based on systematic point counts carried out in 2018 and 2019 (Operation Wallacea 2020, J. England in litt. 2020), placed here in the band 3,000-5,000 mature individuals to account for some uncertainty.
Trend justification
This species is heavily reliant on mature forest. It is recorded at higher densities in least disturbed habitat and records in disturbed habitat and mahogany plantations are always in close proximity to mature forest (Operation Wallacea 2020). Although the rate of conversion of old-growth native forest to mahogany plantations has slowed significantly, logging and subsistence farming still persist within the range (Anderson et al. 2017). However, this appears to be largely undetected by remote sensing data which indicate only minimal forest loss within the range (Global Forest Watch 2023, using data from Hansen et al. [2013] and methods disclosed therein). The majority of recently observed forest clearance has been for (sometimes large scale) cultivation of kava (Piper methysticum), which is now a high value crop and widely traded and sold in the region (J. England in litt. 2020, O'Brien et al. 2021). The species is thought to no longer occur in areas where forest has been cleared, for example it can no longer be caught in areas where mist nets were erected in 2017 which are now further from forest due to agricultural expansion (M. O'Brien in litt. 2023). Invasive species may also be contributing to population declines in this species (J. England in litt. 2020), facilitated by ongoing habitat loss and disturbance. The most recent population estimate of 3,895 mature individuals also suggests a decline in the population given it was previously placed in the band 6,000-12,000 mature individuals (J. S. Kretzschmar in litt. 2000).
This species is endemic to Fiji, being highly localised on Vanua Levu, where it is restricted to the Natewa Peninsula and does not occur in remaining apparently suitable habitat in the south-east (J. S. Kretzschmar in litt. 1998). In 1973 and 1975, it was readily found in groups of 2-5 (Heather 1977). In 1990, a total of 235 birds were located (Thorpe et al. 1990), and the total population was estimated at 3,000-6,000 pairs (J. S. Kretzschmar in litt. 2000).
It inhabits wet, mature rainforest in fairly high abundance. Forest pockets, logged forest and plantations close to intact forest hold individuals at much lower densities (Thorpe et al. 1990, J. S. Kretzschmar in litt. 1998, Operation Wallacea 2020). It feeds on small arthropods and worms in the leaf-litter and insects in the lower canopy (Clunie 1984). All nests found by England (2019) were 5-10.5 m off the ground (far higher than found in the Taveuni Silktail) in the same species of tree (Atuna racemosa), in wet, mature forest. Two nests were found in very close proximity of each other. Seemingly uniparental incubation and care by the female (England 2019).
Although the rate of conversion of old-growth native forest to mahogany plantations has slowed significantly, logging and subsistence farming still persist within the range (Anderson et al. 2017). The majority of recently observed forest clearance has been for the (sometimes large scale) cultivation of kava (Piper methysticum), which is now a high value crop and widely traded and sold in the region (J. England in litt. 2020, O'Brien et al. 2021). Farmers are continuing to move deeper into the forests to clear patches of land to grow kava (Operation Wallacea 2020). Conversion of forest to pasture for cattle ranching and livestock grazing is an additional threat (O'Brien et al. 2021). Invasive species may also be contributing to population declines in this species (J. England in litt. 2020), facilitated by ongoing habitat disturbance. Small Indian mongoose (Herpestes auropunctatus) density across the peninsula is extremely high (population estimate of 175,000-400,000), with high abundances even in mature forest (Kerr 2018). Whilst no direct observation of Natewa Silktail nest predation by mongoose has been recorded in Fiji, the mongoose has the ability to climb and is known to have caused many avifaunal declines across its range (Morley and Winder 2013). Pacific rat (Rattus exulans), Brown rat (Rattus norvegicus) and other invasive species within the range also present a possible threat (J. England in litt. 2020, M. O'Brien in litt. 2023). The presence of these invasive species significantly degrades biodiversity and habitat quality (Morley and Winder 2013) which presents a serious conservation issue given the species’ preference for undisturbed forest (J. England in litt. 2020).
Conservation Actions Underway
The species is protected under Fijian law. There is a Community Conservation Area around the IBA, however at present there is very little evidence of any active management within this area (J. England in litt. 2020). Long-term standardised surveys are being conducted yearly to better understand population trends, habitat associations and general behavioural ecology (Operation Wallacea 2020).
12 cm. Small, striking, iridescent black monarch with conspicuous white rump. Deep velvet-black with metallic blue spangling on head, nape, throat and breast. Rump is silky white, extending over greater part of the tail. Long wings and short tail. Considerably larger and more strongly iridescent than L. victoriae. Voice Loud whistles, whistling trill and low, rasping squeaks.
Text account compilers
Vine, J.
Contributors
Kretzschmar, J.P., England, J. & O'Brien, M.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Natewa Silktail Lamprolia klinesmithi. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/natewa-silktail-lamprolia-klinesmithi on 22/12/2024.
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 22/12/2024.