Data Zone
Justification of Red List category
Although this species has a small range, and possibly a moderately small population size, there are no indications that it is undergoing any decline. It is therefore listed as Least Concern.
Population justification
The population size is unknown. It was previously suspected to number 2,500-9,999 mature individuals, but this value is unsubstantiated. The species has been described as fairly common (Dutson 2011) and most eBird checklists (see eBird 2021) indicate that it is common throughout the island, including in villages.
Trend justification
The population is suspected to be fairly stable. Although there has been a slow reduction in forest cover—equivalent to c.5% over the past 10 years, dropping to a rate of c.3%/10 years between 2016 and 2020 (Global Forest Watch [2022], using Hansen et al. [2013] data and methods disclosed therein)—this species, like most other Zosterops, is tolerant of habitat degradation and occurs in second growth and gardens (Dutson 2011, van Balen 2020, eBird 2021). Consequently, an axiomatic population reduction in response to small-scale habitat degradation cannot be assumed and the population is suspected to be stable.
Zosterops splendidus is endemic to Ranongga (= Ganongga) in the Solomon Islands.
It appears to be common in forest and forest edge, but also in old-growth forest, regrowth and thickets with scattered old trees (Gibbs 1996, G. Dutson pers. obs. 1998, Dutson 2011, van Balen 2020, eBird 2021). Observations in 1998 suggested it may not survive in cleared and scrubby habitats far away from forest or without remnant large trees (G. Dutson pers. obs. 1998). It sometimes feeds in flowers of coconuts (Dutson 2011).
Forest is largely restricted to steep slopes and rocky, hilly areas on Ranongga. Gardens are used to grow food for the nearby urban market on Ghizo as well as for Ranongga villages, and the expansion of this land use was a previous cause of suspected decline. However, following a tsunami in 2007, the island has been raised by c.2 m, providing suitable areas for gardening that were previously underwater (C. Filardi in litt. 2012). Much of the remaining forest is on terrain unsuitable for gardening, although trees are likely to be felled for local timber demand. Forest cover loss has continued at a slow rate (equivalent to c.5% over the past 10 years; Global Forest Watch [2021], using data and methods from Hansen et al. [2013]), however it is unclear whether this has driven population declines given this species's tolerance of degradation. Given the species' small range, climate change may be a future threat if it proves susceptible to increasingly frequent storms.
Conservation Actions Underway
There are some community-based conservation projects on Ranongga.
12 cm. Small, bright, warbler-like bird. Broad silvery eye-ring contrasts with dark olive head and bright yellow underparts. Upperparts dark olive with greenish wash extending over breast-sides and fainter along flanks. Bill black and legs orange-yellow. Similar spp. Female Olive-backed Sunbird Nectarinia jugularis has long decurved bill and no eye-ring. Voice Short, simple melodic song and loud cheu contact calls. Hints Best located when singing in early morning.
Text account compilers
Berryman, A.
Contributors
Dutson, G., Filardi, C. & Stattersfield, A.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Ranongga White-eye Zosterops splendidus. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/ranongga-white-eye-zosterops-splendidus on 24/11/2024.
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 24/11/2024.