Data Zone
Justification of Red List category
Endemic to the Palau Archipelago where it occupies a small range, Palau Kingfisher is susceptible to the potential introduction of Brown Tree Snake Boiga irregularis which would likely cause rapid population declines capable of qualifying the species as Vulnerable or Endangered within one to two generations. Although the population size is currently thought to be stable at approximately 2,700 mature individuals, there is some ongoing habitat degradation. For these reasons the species is listed as Near Threatened.
Population justification
The population size was estimated at 4,117±891 birds in 2005 (VanderWerf and Dittmar 2020) and 3,805±816 in 1991 (Engbring 1992), equivalent to c.2,700 (2,100-3,300) mature individuals.
Trend justification
Comparing data between 1991 (Engbring 1992) and 2005 (VanderWerf and Dittmar 2020), the latter authors suggested the trend of Palau Kingfisher between the two years was most likely stable. While the population on Babeldaob increased (from 3,343 individuals to 3,763), that on the Rock Islands apparently decreased from 433 to 167, suggesting mechanisms for decline in at least some of its range may exist. Given the amount of time (now more than 15 years) since any substantial survey effort, the population trend is set here as unknown.
Todiramphus pelewensis is endemic to the islands of the Palau archipelago. It was described as absent from small islands, but still quite common on well-wooded large ones (Fry and Fry 1999), however it has since been suggested that this is not the case and that the species is scarce, difficult to find, and far less numerous than T. chloris teraokai (H. D. Pratt in litt. 2014). It is currently known from the islands of Babeldoab, Koror and associated islands, Peleliu, Uchel a Rois, Mecherchar, Euidelchol, Ngeanges and Ngeruktabel. It is not known from Angaur.
The species occurs in a fairly wide variety of habitats throughout the islands of Palau, including the edges of mangroves, wooded coastal lowlands and also large gardens with plenty of timber (Fry and Fry 1999, del Hoyo et al. 2001, R. Davis in litt. 2020).
The accidental introduction of alien predators such as Brown Tree Snake Boiga irregularis remains a potential threat, but the species’ wide distribution in the archipelago may limit the likely impacts of such an event. There have likely been historical losses owing to the conversion of native forest. The introduced Sulphur-crested Cockatoo Cactua galerita and Eclectus Parrot Eclectus roratus may locally compete for tree hollows with this species. The impacts of invasive rats and cats is also likely to be significant, especially for small populations.
Conservation and research actions underway
No targeted actions are known.
Conservation and research actions proposed
Conduct surveys to obtain an up-to-date population estimate. Monitor trends in the species' population. Monitor trends in land use patterns. Increase the area of primary forest that is protected. Encourage management practices that preserve suitable nesting trees.
Text account compilers
Berryman, A.
Contributors
Buchholz, P., Butchart, S., Davis, R.A., Pratt, H.D. & Symes, A.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Palau Kingfisher Todiramphus pelewensis. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/palau-kingfisher-todiramphus-pelewensis 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.