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

Justification of Red List category
This species has small and restricted population belonging to a single subpopulation, which is inferred to be in decline owing to habitat loss and degradation within the range. It is therefore assessed as Vulnerable. 

Population justification
This species is described as uncommon in primary and secondary forest patches (Eaton et al. 2021). Fieldwork in 1989 and 1992 yielded density estimates of 6.9 (±1.2) birds per km² (Jones et al. 1995). Given 1,080 km² of closed-canopy forest on Sumba, this was extrapolated and corrected upwards to a global population estimate of 9,100 birds (Jones et al. 1995), roughly equivalent to c.6,000 mature individuals. Given nearly 30 years has passed since the creation of this estimate, it is in need of confirmation; however assuming the rate of forest loss since this time is axiomatic with population declines, it may have declined by c.6% since. Consequently, it is now estimated to number 5,600-6,000 mature individuals.

Trend justification
Though it may be partially tolerant of degradation, as a forest-dependent species it is suspected to be in decline owing to ongoing habitat loss within its range. Forest cover extent in this species' range reduced by c. 6% overall in the three generations to 2022 (Global Forest Watch 2023, based on data from Hansen et al. [2013] and methods disclosed therein), and based on losses in 2018-2022 this has accelerated slightly to an equivalent rate of c. 7% in three generations. Hunting is a potential additional threat, though this remains unconfirmed. Tentatively, declines are placed in the range 5-10% in three generations and this is suspected to continue.

Ptilinopus dohertyi is endemic to the island of Sumba, Nusa Tenggara (Lesser Sundas), Indonesia.

It inhabits both primary and secondary, tropical montane rainforest, sometimes "on the near-vertical walls of limestone gorges", usually at relatively high altitude, but exceptionally down to 160 m. It is tolerant of moderate degradation, and generally found in the canopy and middle storey, often foraging for fruit in the outer foliage (it is chiefly, if not exclusively, frugivorous). It is assumed to be resident, but may perhaps make local altitudinal movements.

Habitat destruction and fragmentation, stemming from small-scale logging, fuelwood-collection and clearance for cultivation or pasture, pose the main threats. These pressures are exacerbated by fires resulting from an extremely dry climate and uncontrolled burning of grasslands to encourage new growth for grazing. The reliance of this species on montane forest and partial tolerance of habitat degradation may offer it some protection, though remote sensing data suggests that forest loss is ongoing and perhaps  accelerating within the range (Global Forest Watch 2023, based on data from Hansen et al. [2013] and methods disclosed therein). Hunting is a potential further threat, though this remains unconfirmed.

Conservation Actions Underway
Populations occur in the Manupeu-Tanahdaru and Laiwangi-Wanggameti National Parks (1,350 km² combined).

Conservation Actions Proposed
Conduct up-to-date surveys to quantify the population size and trend. Monitor population trends. Conduct detailed research into the ecology of the species in order to develop an effective management strategy. Protect remaining habitat.

33-35 cm. Medium-large, contrastingly patterned, arboreal pigeon. Cream-coloured head and upper part of neck, becoming pale pink on lower neck and breast, separated from dark glossy blue, purple or green remainder of body by whitish border. Large crimson patch on nape and hindneck. Yellow streaking on undertail-coverts. Juvenile duller and greener. Similar spp. Juvenile perhaps confusable with juvenile Black-naped Fruit-dove P. melanospila, but this species is smaller and more uniform green. Voice Soft deep woo-oo or coo-o, the second syllable shorter and lower.

Text account compilers
Vine, J.

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Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Red-naped Fruit-dove Ptilinopus dohertyi. Downloaded from https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/red-naped-fruit-dove-ptilinopus-dohertyi 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.