Data Zone
Justification of Red List category
This species is dependent on lowland forest in the Philippines, with extant populations only confirmed from the islands of Mindanao and Samar. It is almost certainly extinct on Cebu (last record 1920), and possibly also on Leyte (last record 1964). It is thought to be declining rapidly in line with forest loss and degradation, chiefly because of timber extraction and agro-industry plantations (particularly of rubber). It is therefore considered to be at a high risk of future extinction, and is accordingly listed as Vulnerable.
Population justification
Population size not estimated, but may be moderately small given its apparent scarcity. Described by Allen (2020) as uncommon, and eBird (2024) find this species to be among the least regularly encountered of Mindanao lowland endemics.
Trend justification
Direct population trend data are lacking for this species although it is considered to be highly forest-dependent notwithstanding the fact it has occasionally been observed feeding over degraded landscapes (Allen 2020). Over the past three generations (10.4 years: 2013-2023) forest cover within its range has reduced by c. 15-19% (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). Moreover, this species may be particularly vulnerable to habitat fragmentation and patch isolation, with the species now extinct on Cebu (and possibly Leyte), despite some fragmented areas of suitable habitat remaining. Moreover, the species does not appear to be evenly distributed: it is for example scarce at Samar Island Natural Park (SINP), but frequently encountered (eBird 2024) at PICOP, where forest loss is particularly acute. 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 20-35%. 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.
Chloropsis flavipennis is endemic to the Philippines, where it is known from Samar, Leyte, Cebu and Mindanao (Collar et al. 1999). However, there are recent records from only Mindanao and Samar (remains relatively widespread on the former, but recent records from only Samar Island Natural Park on the latter: eBird 2024); Allen (2020) considered it extinct on Cebu (last record 1920) and possibly also on Leyte (last record 1964) (Collar et al. 1999).
It inhabits primary forest but also frequents secondary forest, forest edge and degraded habitats below 1,000 m, although there are three records up to 1,270 m.
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. 15-19% 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
No targeted conservation actions are known for this species, but it occurs in numerous protected areas.
Conservation Actions Proposed
Identify and survey remaining lowland forest tracts on Samar, Leyte and in poorly known areas of Mindanao, to establish its current distribution and population status. Propose key sites (following surveys) for urgent establishment as protected areas. Study the habitat requirements of the species, with particular reference to the extent of reliance on primary forest habitats.
18 cm. Small-medium, green, canopy-dwelling passerine. Entire plumage bright green except for yellow eye-ring, throat and line on closed wing formed by yellow primary fringes. Dark bill, iris and legs. Voice Short, loud melodious phrases such as whit-too-whee and see-tee-wee-oo. Hints Frequents canopy where often first noticed by song. Best looked for in flowering trees. Also joins mixed feeding flocks.
Text account compilers
Berryman, A., Gilroy, J., Benstead, P., Taylor, J.
Contributors
Allen, D.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Philippine Leafbird Chloropsis flavipennis. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/philippine-leafbird-chloropsis-flavipennis on 23/12/2024.
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 23/12/2024.