Data Zone
Justification of Red List category
Although this species appears to persist in degraded habitats, its ecological requirements are poorly known, and habitat loss and degradation on Numfor are ongoing. Given that it occurs within a very small range, and is likely to have a moderately small population, it is considered to be Near Threatened.
Population justification
The population size of this species has not been accurately quantified. Although it is described as common (see Coates 1985, Pratt & Beehler 2015, Beehler & Pratt 2016), this species is confined to the small island of Numfor (335 km2) and as such is precautionarily suspected here to number fewer than 10,000 mature individuals.
Trend justification
This species can tolerate habitat degradation and has been recorded in well-vegetated gardens (Pratt & Beehler 2015, Beehler & Pratt 2016). There is however ongoing forest loss on the island, equivalent to c.5–8% over three generations (using Global Forest Watch 2022, based on Hansen et al. 2013). At least some of this forest loss amounts to total clearance for agriculture, where the kingfisher cannot persist. Given this species' dependence on some (if degraded) forested habitat, it is therefore suspected to be declining at an ongoing rate of 1–9% over three generations.
Tanysiptera carolinae is endemic to the island of Numfor (335 km2) in Geelvink Bay, Papua (formerly Irian Jaya), Indonesia, where it is common and widespread.
This species occurs in all habitats and elevations on Numfor, including beach vegetation and degraded forest (Beehler et al. 1986, Pratt and Beehler 2015, Beehler and Pratt 2016).
The only identified threat for this species is forest loss. Remote sensing data (Global Forest Watch [2022], using data from Hansen et al. [2013] and methods disclosed therein) indicate that forest loss in this species' range was c.5-8% over the past three generations. Much of this amounts to total clearance of forest for agriculture and expanding villages; hence, although the species is tolerant of habitat degradation (see, e.g., Pratt and Beehler 2015), it is suspected to be declining at an ongoing rate of 1-9% over three generations.
Conservation Actions Underway
No protected area currently exists on Numfor, although a reserve has been proposed (Diamond 1986).
Conservation Actions Proposed
Conduct ecological studies to determine the habitat requirements of this species, and whether it can persist in areas where natural forest habitats are completely removed. Support plans to establish a nature reserve on Numfor. Calculate population densities and generate an accurate population size.
Text account compilers
Berryman, A.
Contributors
Gibbs, D.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Numfor Paradise-kingfisher Tanysiptera carolinae. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/numfor-paradise-kingfisher-tanysiptera-carolinae 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.