Data Zone
Justification of Red List category
This species is listed as Near Threatened because there are some indications that it has a moderately small, fragmented population within its small range, and it is undergoing a continuing decline owing to trapping. However, little is currently known about the population size and structure or threats to this species. Further information may indicate that it is more highly threatened.
Population justification
There is no population size estimate available for this species. Eaton et al. (2021) describe it as 'fairly common' and 'rare' on Peleng and Taliabu respectively. The total area of suitable habitat is relatively small (c.2,600 km2) and the majority of this (c.60%) is on Taliabu where the species is evidently very scarce. Consequently, the population size is precautionarily suspected to be small, and could number below 10,000 mature individuals; it is therefore set here in the band of 2,500-9,999.
Trend justification
Over the past three generations (10.74 years; Bird et al. 2020), forest cover in this species' range was reduced by 9-12% (Global Forest Watch 2022, based on data from Hansen et al. [2013] and methods disclosed therein). Although (on Peleng at least) the species can persist in lightly degraded forest, forest loss is assumed to have caused a reduction in the population size of 5-15% over this period. In the absence of any clear indication that rates of forest loss are slowing, this rate of reduction is also suspected to occur in the next three generations.
This species is known from Peleng, in the Banggai Islands, and Taliabu, in the Sula Islands, Indonesia (Collar 2004). Its status on these islands appears to differ. On Peleng, it apparently is 'fairly common', and occurs up to 1,000 m, whereas on Taliabu it is apparently 'rare' and confined to the lowlands (Eaton et al. 2021). This latter assertion is backed by the paucity of citizen science data (eBird 2022) and the description of its status in Clement and Hathway (2000).
It is usually recorded alone or in pairs, foraging on arthropods or molluscs on the ground (Clement and Hathway 2000). There is no information on breeding ecology.
Although this species tolerates some degree of habitat disturbance, the principal threat is thought to be forest loss in its range, which is ongoing at a consistent rate of c.10% over three generations (per Global Forest Watch 2022). The main cause of this is subsistence clearance, rather than commercial logging. Elsewhere in Indonesia, Geokichla thrushes are prized for the songbird trade; although there is no direct evidence this species is traded, this could be a threat.
Conservation Actions Underway
No conservation measures are currently known and no protected area is within its range.
19-21 cm. A medium-sized thrush. Russet crown to back, unmarked black wings and underparts, white patch behind eye. Plumage may differ slightly on Taliabu. Similar spp. None in range. Voice A thin, high-pitched, upslurred call note. Song reported to be a typically thrush-like liquid series of notes.
Text account compilers
Berryman, A.
Contributors
Bird, J., Brickle, N., Mahood, S. & Pilgrim, J.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Red-and-black Thrush Geokichla mendeni. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/red-and-black-thrush-geokichla-mendeni on 26/12/2024.
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 26/12/2024.