Data Zone
Justification of Red List category
This species has a restricted range and the area and quality of its habitat are undergoing a continuing decline as a result of ongoing forest loss and degradation, causing declines in its small population. It is therefore classified as Near Threatened.
Population justification
This species is noted to be one of the least common of the bird species endemic to Rennell, and seems to occur at lower densities than other members of the complex of species (G. Dutson in litt. 2016). It was found to be present at a low density in 2015 (P. Gregory in litt. 2017) and around Tigoa in October 2019 it was very scarce and hard to locate (P. Gregory in litt. 2019). The population is suspected to number 10,000-19,999 individuals based on a preliminary assessment of known records, descriptions of abundance and range size. This is equivalent to 6,667-13,333 mature individuals, rounded here to 6,000-15,000 mature individuals.
Trend justification
Rates of logging and habitat degradation on Rennell are particularly high (G. Dutson in litt. 2016), and given its apparent requirement for primary habitats and low density the species is inferred to be declining as a result. In the three generations (12.7 years; Bird et al. 2020) to 2021, remote sensing data indicate that 4-6% of forest was lost in this species' range (Global Forest Watch 2022, using data from Hansen et al. [2013] and methods disclosed therein) although based on losses in 2016-2021 is currently declining at a rate equivalent to 2-4% in three generations. Population declines are thought to be roughly equivalent to the rate of tree cover loss and therefore here placed in the band 1-9% over three generations.
Pachycephala feminina is restricted to Rennell Island in the southern Solomon Islands.
The species has been reported to be notably less common in secondary habitats than in primary forest (G. Dutson in litt. 2016) and appears to occur at relatively low densities in comparison with other members of the 'Golden Whistler' group.
Habitat degradation is continuing on Rennell at a considerable rate (G. Dutson in litt. 2016). In the three generations (12.7 years; Bird et al. 2020) to 2021, remote sensing data indicate that 4-6% of forest was lost in this species' range (Global Forest Watch 2022, using data from Hansen et al. [2013] and methods disclosed therein) although is currently declining at a rate equivalent to 2-4% in three generations based on losses in 2016-2021. Recently, there have been reports of mining activity and selective logging on Rennell which may be contributing to forest loss (Hughes and Tuhanuku 2015, M. O’Brien in litt. 2018)
Conservation Actions Underway
None is known.
Conservation Actions Proposed
Carry out surveys to assess the population size. Study the species' ecology and life history. Monitor population trends. Monitor the extent and condition of suitable habitat. Afford protection to an area of remnant forest. Initiate education and awareness campaigns to raise the species' profile and instil pride in local people.
Text account compilers
Vine, J.
Contributors
Dutson, G., Gregory, P. & O'Brien, M.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Rennell Whistler Pachycephala feminina. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/rennell-whistler-pachycephala-feminina on 22/12/2024.
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 22/12/2024.