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

Justification of Red List category

This species is subject to intensive hunting pressure, with very high numbers hunted annually. It is plausible that the rate of decline may exceed 20% over three generations, thus approaching threatened thresholds and qualifying the species as Near Threatened. 

Population justification
This species is described as fairly common where not hunted (Ekstrom et al. 2002, Dutson 2011). Studies have estimated much higher populations than previously surmised, with 1,500-7,000 individuals for Rivière Bleue National Park depending on the season (Grillet 1995, J-P. Demoncheaux in litt. 1997, Y. Létocart verbally 1998) and 100,000 individuals for the entire island (Ekstrom et al. 2000, 2002). More recently, distance sampling surveys resulted in an average density of 35 pigeons per km² (24-50) and an occupancy for the entire mainland of 42% at 3763 listening points (Theuerkauf et al. 2017). Based on this and the area of tree cover remaining in the range, the population estimate is estimated to fall within the range 100,000-220,000 mature individuals. A small population also occurs on the Ile des Pins (Gibbs et al. 2001).

Trend justification
The species is thought to be tolerant of habitat disturbance to some extent, and forest loss detected by remote sensing data is ongoing at a slow rate (c.2-3% over three generations) in the range (Global Forest Watch 2024, using data from Hansen et al. [2013] and methods disclosed therein). However, this does not take into account additional impacts of degradation which is plausibly compounding declines. It is additionally subject to very high hunting pressure, with regulations poorly enforced and evidence that the species is no longer present in certain areas where mining has established (F. Brescia in litt. 2024). Although the species appears to remain common and widespread (Ekstrom et al. 2002, Dutson 2011), very high numbers are hunted annually: a 2010 survey on tribal agriculture in New Caledonia revealed that 20,000 are hunted annually in the northern and southern provinces (Guyard et al. 2014), and it has been suggested that hunting pressure, as well as habitat loss/degradation, may have intensified during the last three-generation period (J. J. Cassan in litt. 2024, F. Brescia in litt. 2024, M. Oedin in litt. 2024, Société Calédonienne d’Ornithologie in litt. 2024). While uncertain, considering ongoing habitat degradation and intensive hunting pressure, it is plausible that the overall rate of population decline may exceed 20% in the relatively long three-generation period of 21.6 years. As such, the suspected rate of decline is tentatively placed in a wide band of 5-29%.

Ducula goliath is endemic to New Caledonia (to France). It is distributed from the far north (Mandjelia) to the extreme south at Goro and is common in suitable habitat throughout (Ekstrom et al. 2002, V. Chartendrault and N. Barré in litt. 2007). It is present on the Ile des Pins and absent from the Loyalty islands (V. Chartendrault and N. Barré in litt. 2007).

Ducula goliath is a humid forest species, occurring throughout the island wherever there are tall trees, and ranging to 1,500 m. It may live in quite small patches of forest along thalwegs, particularly in the south (V. Chartendrault and N. Barré in litt. 2007).

As a game bird, it is legally hunted during the weekends of April, with a maximum of 5 birds per day/hunter (Ekstrom et al. 2002, V. Chartendrault and N. Barré in litt. 2007). However, controls are poorly enforced and any relaxation of hunting laws, or change in the timing of the hunting season, could have severe impacts (Ekstrom et al. 2000, Barre et al. 2003). It is also shot year-round for the illegal trade in towns and villages, or for local consumption, especially at special events such as wedding and religious days (V. Chartendrault and N. Barré in litt. 2007). During the traditional ignam feast (from February to May, depending on the region), many individuals are killed by most of the tribes in the mountains and on the slopes. Overall, very high numbers are hunted annually: a 2010 survey on tribal agriculture in New Caledonia revealed that 20,000 are hunted annually in the northern and southern provinces (Guyard et al. 2014), and it has been suggested that hunting pressure, as well as habitat loss/degradation, may have intensified during the last three-generation period (J. J. Cassan in litt. 2024, F. Brescia in litt. 2024, M. Oedin in litt. 2024, Société Calédonienne d’Ornithologie in litt. 2024). Habitat loss and degradation are ongoing slowly with forest being lost to fire, logging, agriculture and mining, however the species is tolerant of habitat disturbance to some extent, being equally common in some selectively logged areas (Ekstrom et al. 2002). Javan Deer Rusa timorensis also degrade suitable habitat and prevent forest regeneration (Société Calédonienne d’Ornithologie in litt. 2024). 

Conservation Actions Underway
It is protected by law that restricts hunting for most of the year, however this is poorly enforced (Ekstrom et al. 2002).

Conservation Actions Proposed
Effectively protect lowland forests. Lobby against any changes in the law which would extend or change the timing of the hunting season. Monitor populations in key sites. Enforce the closed season. Increase awareness amongst local residents regarding the laws concerning this species.

Text account compilers
Vine, J.

Contributors
Barré, N., Demoncheaux, J.P., Letocart, Y., Brescia, F., Cassan, J.-J., Société Calédonienne d’Ornithologie, .., Oedin, M. & Chartendrault, V.

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Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: New Caledonian Imperial-pigeon Ducula goliath. Downloaded from https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/new-caledonian-imperial-pigeon-ducula-goliath 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.