• Summary
• Text account
• Data table and detailed info
• Distribution map
• Reference and further resources

Justification of Red List category
This forest-dependent species has a small range that is experiencing ongoing, albeit slow, habitat loss and degradation that is thought to be impacting the population. Moreover, it may be additionally impacted by capture for skins and the pet trade. It is currently considered Near Threatened.

Population justification
The population size of this species has not been quantified, but it is described as common in suitable habitats (Frith and Beehler 1998, Pratt and Beehler 2015).

Trend justification
Precise data on population trends are not available, but this species presumably remains stable across much of its range, as habitats are relatively intact. Habitat loss has occurred at a local scale, equal to a total reduction in forest cover extent in its range of 3-4% in the three generations to 2021 (Global Forest Watch 2022, based on data from Hansen et al. [2013] and methods disclosed therein). As a forest-dependent species, this is thought to have caused approximately equivalent reductions in population size, and these losses are projected to occur at the same rate in the future. At least locally, this species appears to be hunted for skins and captured for the bird trade (see, e.g, Shepherd et al. 2012, Nijman et al. 2022) which may be causing additive declines.

Paradisaea rubra is endemic to the West Papuan islands of Waigeo, Batanta, Gemien and Saonek off north-west Papua (formerly Irian Jaya), Indonesia, where it is common in suitable habitats.

This species occurs in forest and forest edge in the lowlands and hills, up to 600 m (Beehler et al. 1986, Gibbs 1993, Poulsen and Frolander 1994, Eastwood 1996).

This species undoubtedly benefits from Waigeo's rugged relief and lack of infrastructure, although the latter continues to improve. The main threat to this species is habitat loss which, for now, appears to be occurring at a slow rate (Global Forest Watch 2022, based on Hansen et al. [2013]) but is potentially compounded by local hunting for skins and the cagebird trade (Shepherd et al. 2012, Nijman et al. 2022). In the past fires have ravaged some areas of habitat and this remains a threat.

Conservation Actions Underway
CITES Appendix II. Pulau Waigeo nature reserve, established in the late 1980s, covers 1,530 km².

Conservation Actions Proposed
Conduct repeated surveys within the species' range to determine its current distribution and abundance, as well as assess population trends and rates of habitat loss. Conduct ecological studies to improve understanding of its precise habitat requirements, tolerance of secondary habitats and response to fragmentation. Ensure the future integrity of existing protected areas within the species' range, e.g. Pulau Waigeo.

Text account compilers
Berryman, A.

Contributors
Gibbs, D. & Gilroy, J.

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Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Red Bird-of-paradise Paradisaea rubra. Downloaded from https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/red-bird-of-paradise-paradisaea-rubra on 27/12/2024.
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 27/12/2024.