Data Zone
Justification of Red List category
This species is considered Near Threatened, as it is thought to be declining moderately rapidly (15-25% over three generations) in response to forest loss driven by agricultural expansion and large-scale plantations.
Population justification
The global population size has not been quantified, but the species is described as locally common in its range (Allen 2020). The species has a relatively large range, with large tracts of suitable habitat remaining, particularly on Luzon, Samar/Leyte and Mindanao. Accordingly, while its global population size is set to unknown, it is not thought to number fewer than 10,000 mature individuals.
Trend justification
Direct population trend data are lacking for this species although it is considered to be highly forest-dependent (Allen 2020). Over the past three generations (12 years: 2012-2024) forest cover within its range has reduced by c. 15-17% (Global Forest Watch 2024, based on data from Hansen et al. [2013] and methods therein), but this doesn't account for additional impacts of selective logging and degradation, with large tracts of forest in its range, particularly on Mindanao, now heavily modified (Grantham et al. 2020) and here it is apparently now 'rare' (Allen 2020). Accordingly, forest cover trends alone are thought to represent the minimum value of likely population reduction over the same timeframe, which is suspected to be 15-25%. Annual rates of forest loss in the past five years have been similar to the years before then, such that rates of population reduction are thought likely to continue at the same rate over the next three generations, unless conservation action adequately safeguards the lowland forests upon which this species depends.
Irena cyanogastra is endemic to the Philippines, where it is found on Luzon, Cataduanes, Polillo, Bohol, Leyte, Samar, Dinagat, Mindanao and Basilan (Kennedy et al. 2000, del Hoyo et al. 2005, eBird 2024), although there are apparently no recent records from Basilan (eBird 2024).
It is found mainly in closed-canopy broadleaved evergreen forest, and occasionally its edge, up to 700 m (Allen 2020).
The main threats to this species are those associated with forest loss, including agricultural expansion, logging, plantations (particularly rubber) and locally mining. Combined, these have resulted in moderately rapid rates of forest cover loss, equivalent to c. 15% over the past three generations (Global Forest Watch 2024, based on data from Hansen et al. [2013] and methods therein) and additive impacts caused by selective logging and other forms of forest modification, which has left lowland Philippines forests heavily degraded (Grantham et al. 2020).
Conservation Actions Underway
The species occurs in a number of protected areas.
Conservation Actions Proposed
Carry out regular surveys to monitor the species' population trend. Monitor rates of habitat loss and degradation throughout its range. Increase the area of suitable habitat in protected areas. Improve the effectiveness of existing protected areas.
Text account compilers
Berryman, A.
Contributors
Allen, D., Hutchinson, R., Ibanez, J., Yong, D., Taylor, J., Ekstrom, J. & Butchart, S.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Philippine Fairy-bluebird Irena cyanogastra. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/philippine-fairy-bluebird-irena-cyanogastra 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.