Data Zone
Justification of Red List category
This forest-dependent species is thought to be declining moderately rapidly as a result of continuing habitat loss throughout its range. It is therefore considered Near Threatened.
Population justification
The population size of this species has not been quantified. However, it is typically described as common or uncommon (Wells 1999, Mann 2008, Eaton et al. 2016) and in Sarawak, Borneo, a density of 20 birds/km2 was recorded (Fogden 1976). Consequently, although the population size has not been estimated, it is not considered likely to meet or approach the threshold for listing as Threatened (<10,000 mature individuals).
Trend justification
Suspected to be declining because of forest loss throughout its range. Over the past three generations (12.3 years; Bird et al. 2020), forest loss in this species' range has been equivalent to 23-25% (Global Forest Watch 2022, using data from Hansen et al. [2013] and methods disclosed therein). Because this rate was similar between 2016 and 2020, with little indication this will slow in the future, the same rate is projected over the next three generations. As a forest-dependent species, the population is suspected to be declining at a rate broadly similar to that of forest loss.
This species is confined to the Sundaic lowlands of south Tenasserim, Myanmar, peninsular Thailand, Sabah, Sarawak and Peninsular (including the Tana Islands) Malaysia, Singapore (one record), Kalimantan and Sumatra, Indonesia and Brunei, where it is generally abundant within suitable habitat (BirdLife International 2001).
This species occurs commonly in evergreen lowland primary and logged forest, and is somewhat rarer in flooded and peatswamp forest, up to 1,000 m but mainly at low elevations. It also occurs occasionally in rubber plantations, and will visit fruiting trees in gardens and other developed areas if forest habitats are adjacent, although its ability to breed in these habitats is unproven.
Rates of forest loss in the Sundaic lowlands have been extremely rapid, owing partly to the escalation of illegal logging and land conversion, with deliberate targeting of all remaining stands of valuable timber including those inside protected areas (Hansen et al. 2013, Global Forest Watch 2022). Forest fires have previously had a damaging effect (particularly in 1997-1998) and may do so again in the future. The magnitude of these threats may be allayed partially by this species' tolerance of degraded forest types (especially where adjacent to more undisturbed areas).
Conservation Actions Underway
No targeted conservation actions are known for this species, although it occurs in a number of protected areas.
Conservation Actions Proposed
Conduct repeated surveys across the species' range to determine the magnitude of declines and rates of range contraction. Conduct ecological studies to determine precise habitat requirements, tolerance of secondary habitats and response to fragmentation. Campaign for the protection of remaining tracts of lowland forest throughout the species' range. Continue to monitor habitat trends using remote sensing data.
Text account compilers
Berryman, A.
Contributors
Benstead, P., Gilroy, J. & Taylor, J.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Red-throated Barbet Psilopogon mystacophanos. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/red-throated-barbet-psilopogon-mystacophanos 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.