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

Justification of Red List category
This species is considered Vulnerable because it has a tiny range and is therefore at risk from stochastic events and human impacts, such as the establishment of introduced predators or competitors.

Population justification
It was considered common in 1985 and 1992 (Clunie 1985; D. Watling in litt. 2000). The global population was estimated to number 10,000-19,999 mature individuals by Clunie (1985) and D. Watling in litt. (2000). Observation and mist-net capture surveys in 2018 found a mean of five birds/ha in villages and farmland, and approximately one bird/ha in dense secondary forest, leading to the conclusion that the previous population estimate was accurate and that the population size had remained stable (Cibois and Thibault 2019; Cibois et al. 2019).

Trend justification
The global population has been estimated to number 10,000-19,999 mature individuals by Clunie (1985) and D. Watling in litt. (2000). Observation and mist-net capture surveys in 2018 found a mean of five birds/ha in villages and farmland, and approximately one bird/ha in dense secondary forest, leading to the conclusion that the previous population estimate was accurate and that the population size had remained stable (Cibois and Thibault 2019; Cibois et al. 2019). However, the arrival of the Common Myna (Acridoteres tristis) at the end of 2017 or early 2018 might impact upon the population (Cibois et al. 2019; Cibois and Thibault 2019).

Myzomela chermesina is endemic to Rotuma and offshore islets (including uninhabited Uea), Fiji. It has been recorded on Afgaha, and probably visits or is resident on all offshore islets around Rotuma (Cibois and Thibault 2019).

It occurs in all habitats on the main island, including forest edge and plantations. In 2018, it was more frequently recorded in open areas (villages, coastland, and farmlands) than in dense secondary forests (Cibois and Thibault 2019). It is primarily nectivorous but is also strongly insectivorous for a myzomela (Clunie 1984, 1985; D. Watling in litt. 2000). In 2018 it was recorded feeding on Cocos nucifera, Morinda citrifolia, Pritchardia pacifica, Spathodea campanulata, and the very common introduced flower Stachytarpheta (cf. cayennensis, ex. urticaefolia) (Cibois et al. 2019). It also gleans invertebrates in the dead, dry leaves of C. nucifera, and feeds in cultivated Hibiscus species by piercing the basis of the flower from behind (Cibois et al. 2019).

Nearly all native forest on Rotuma has long since been cleared for shifting cultivation and plantations. However, there is extensive secondary bush (Clunie 1984), and the species appears to tolerate this habitat. Its abundance and wide habitat tolerance reduces its risk from the affects of cyclones (D. Watling in litt. 2007). Pacific rat Rattus exulans is already present (Clunie 1985). Black rat R. rattus was not observed in 2018 (Thibault and Cibois pers. obs.). The arrival of the Common Myna (Acridoteres tristis) at the end of 2017 or early 2018 might impact upon the population via predation (Cibois et al. 2019; Cibois and Thibault 2019). Five pairs were recorded around the coastline in late 2018, but further range expansion may pose a threat (Cibois and Thibault 2019). The introduction of further alien predators is a potential future threat.

Conservation Actions Underway
It is protected under Fijian law. 
A cull of Common Myna is planned by BirdLife Pacific and is expected to take place in 2020 (S. Cranwell pers. comm. to A. Cibois 2019). 

Conservation Actions Proposed
Carry out further surveys to monitor the population size. Collect information on its feeding and breeding requirements. Assess populations on all offshore islets. Investigate connectivity between populations on the main island and offshore islets, as birds were observed regularly flying above Maka Bay in 2018. Investigate the affect of rats on the population.
Eradicate the Common Myna. Advocate strong quarantine controls to prevent the establishment of further invasive alien species. Promote the species as a figurehead for conservation on Rotuma.

9 cm. Tiny, sexually dimorphic honeyeater. Male is black with bright red mantle, rump, throat, breast and flanks. Female has less red on mantle, dull brownish-black underparts with faint red wash on throat and upper breast, and stronger red wash on lower breast and upper belly. Immature male similar to female but more red on throat and less on breast. Immature female duller with pale cinnamon or rufous wash on underparts.

Text account compilers
Wheatley, H., Clark, J.

Contributors
Cibois, A., Derhé, M., Mahood, S., Masibalavu, V., O'Brien, A., Stattersfield, A. & Watling, D.

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Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Rotuma Myzomela Myzomela chermesina. Downloaded from https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/rotuma-myzomela-myzomela-chermesina on 24/12/2024.
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 24/12/2024.