Data Zone
Justification of Red List category
This species is listed as Vulnerable because, although it appears to be stable or possibly increasing, its population remains small, and therefore at risk from stochastic events and human impacts.
Population justification
Point count surveys conducted on Praslin in 2010 and 2011 found a density of 0.14-0.24 individuals/ha, resulting in a total population estimate of 520-900 individuals (95% confidence intervals) obtained through distance sampling methodology (Reuleaux et al. 2013). After reviewing recent survey results, Rocamora and Laboudallon (2013) estimate a total breeding population of fewer than 200 pairs, suggesting that there could be fewer than 400 mature individuals. The most recent point count survey in 2018 estimated a population of 1392 (1096-1742, 95% CI) individuals. On the basis of this new data, it is assumed that there are 730-1170 mature individuals in the population.
Trend justification
The population is suspected to be stable in the absence of evidence for any declines or immediate threats. The species is thought to have increased at least until the turn of the century, and it may potentially still be increasing (Reuleaux et al. 2013; Rocamora and Laboudallon 2013; Dueker 2018).
Coracopsis barklyi is resident on Praslin, with occasional non-breeding records on Curieuse (c.1 km north of Praslin), Seychelles (Reuleaux et al. 2013). Point count surveys conducted on Praslin in 2010 and 2011 found a density of 0.14-0.24 individuals/ha, resulting in a total population estimate of 520-900 individuals (95% CI) obtained through distance sampling methodology (Reuleaux et al. 2013). No individuals were detected on Curieuse during point counts over four days and during supplementary fieldwork, thus it is assumed that there is no resident population there (Reuleaux et al. 2013). Prior to the surveys by Reuleaux et al. (2013), the most recent population estimate on Praslin was of 645 individuals (95% confidence intervals: 404-1,034 individuals), using distance sampling at 39 random points (Walford 2008). However, this study was deemed to have several methodological and analytical constraints, which meant that assumptions of the distance sampling method were not met (Walford 2008; Reuleaux et al. 2013) and resulting in an estimate range that was considered too broad to serve as a basis for conservation planning (Reuleaux et al. 2013). After reviewing recent survey results, Rocamora and Laboudallon (2013) estimate a total breeding population of fewer than 200 pairs, suggesting that there could be fewer than 400 mature individuals. A review of previous survey results indicates that this species has recovered from a low point of c.30-50 individuals in one area of the island in the late 1960s, increasing until the at least the turn of the century, with uncertainty over the trend since then (Reuleaux et al. 2013; Rocamora and Laboudallon 2013). Surveys in 2018 produced a population estimate of 1382 (1096-1742, 95% CI) individuals on Praslin (Dueker 2018), however this cannot be directly compared to the 2011 population estimate due to differences in survey seasons, which affects the vocalisations (the main detection method) of this parrot.
This species inhabits native and mixed forest on Praslin (Rocamora and Laboudallon 2013; A. Reuleaux and N. Bunbury in litt. 2016). Its core breeding areas are located in endemic palm forest dominated by coco de mer Lodoicea maldivica. The species nests in tree cavities mainly in dead coco de mer palms, but they have also been recorded to nest in cavities in other palms and living broadleaf trees (Reuleaux et al. 2014a), with breeding activity from October to March (Rocamora and Laboudallon 2013; Reuleaux et al. 2014a). Deep cavities in hollow L. maldivica trunks with dense canopy cover over the entrance are preferred (Reuleaux et al. 2014a). Breeding activity fluctuates widely between years (A. Reuleaux and N. Bunbury in litt. 2016), with approximately one year in four showing minimal or no breeding activity. In one study, 53% of nests were found to be successful out of 36 nest attempts with 57% fledgling survival to one year (Reuleaux et al. 2014a). It is also found in cultivated areas and residential areas with gardens, which are suitable feeding habitats (A. Reuleaux and N. Bunbury in litt. 2016). It feeds on a range of plant species, the majority of which are endemic and native (Reuleaux et al. 2014b). It mainly feeds on the fruit pulp, followed by seeds and buds, with occasional observations of feeding on leaves, flowers, bark and scale insects (Reuleaux et al. 2014b).
The decline in this species prior to the 1960s is thought to have been driven mainly by predation by introduced rats and hunting by settlers and farmers (Rocamora and Laboudallon 2013). Other causes of increased mortality have included capture for pets and trade and incidental trapping when other species, namely fruit bats, are targeted. The most serious current threats to the species include ongoing nest predation from rats and cats, poaching of its main nesting tree (coco de mer), and habitat destruction caused by fires, with potential threats including persecution, netting of bat species and low genetic diversity (Jackson et al. 2016). Forest fires may represent the most serious threat to the species, with records since the early 1980s showing that approximately every 10 years a large forest fire occurs (Seychelles Islands Foundation in litt. 2014). The availability of nesting cavities may be a limiting factor in very active breeding years, with some females occupying sub-optimal cavities. The poaching of coco de mer nuts could reduce the area of palm forest over the long term, although recent anti-poaching measures appear to be successful. Rose-ringed Parakeets Alexandrinus krameri, which once posed a major threat, have been entirely eradicated from the Seychelles by the Seychelles Islands Foundation. A. krameri carried diseases such as Beak and Feather Disease Virus, which was a serious threat for C. barklyi (Fogell et al. 2018). The impacts of introduced species through nest predation and competition for nest-sites may not yet be serious enough to limit the population; however, mynahs are increasing on Praslin (Dueker 2018). Invasive yellow crazy ants are an emerging threat, with numbers having increased substantially in Praslin's palm forest habitat from 2015-2018. The ants have caused at least two C. barklyi nest failures. Yellow crazy ants are now being controlled with a baiting programme across the Vallée de Mai and other parts of Praslin's remaining palm forest (N. Bunbury in litt. 2020). Predation of fledglings by cats and dogs is probably limited and post-fledging mortality is not currently a major concern as most fledglings are seen again in the year after they fledge (Seychelles Islands Foundation, unpublished data). Another risk factor for the species is the substantial and so-far unexplained fluctuations in its breeding activity, with minimal or no breeding occurring approximately every four breeding seasons (Seychelles Islands Foundation, unpublished data).
Conservation Actions Underway
The species has been protected by law since 1966 (Rocamora and Laboudallon 2013). Endemic palms have been protected since 1991, and the restoration of native palm forest on Praslin and Curieuse is on-going. The species occurs in Praslin National Park, which was established in 1979, and the Vallée de Mai was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. Fond Ferdinand and Curieuse island are managed as nature reserves, but they lack official protected status. Fond Peper, an area of mature palm forest of approximately 60 ha, adjacent to the Vallée de Mai, and another area of high quality black parrot breeding habitat, is now also under the management of Seychelles Islands Foundation and being prioritised for conservation. Artificial nest boxes were provided between 1983 and c.2005 (Rocamora and Laboudallon 2013; A. Reuleaux and N. Bunbury in litt. 2016), although these are now no longer in use, with no apparent ill effects to the population (Seychelles Islands Foundation, unpublished data).
There is a firebreak around the core breeding area at Vallée de Mai, but it is not guaranteed to work in the event of a large fire which cannot be quickly contained (Seychelles Islands Foundation in litt. 2014). The firebreak proved to be only partially effective when a fire destroyed several hectares of high quality breeding habitat in the south of Praslin in 2010 (A. Reuleaux and N. Bunbury in litt. 2016). The poaching of coco de mer nuts is being counteracted with increased security and a regeneration programme, and awareness-raising activities have been conducted to reduce persecution by farmers. Rose-ringed Parakeets Alexandrinus krameri were eradicated from Mahé in 2019 (Seychelles Islands Foundation, unpublished data). An experimental trial to assess the effects of rat control on C. barklyi breeding success was carried out in 2017-2018 and 2018-2019. And intensive baiting programme to control yellow crazy ants began in 2019 (Seychelles Islands Foundation, unpublished data).
A national action plan for the species was produced in 2009 and includes plans to introduce the species to Silhouette, along with captive breeding on Frégate Island and North Island if appropriate habitat restoration and management can be carried out (reviewed by Rocamora and Laboudallon 2013). Other conservation actions identified for this species include the control of introduced species, population monitoring and public awareness campaigns (reviewed by Rocamora and Laboudallon 2013). Analysis using statistical models is planned in 2014 after annual counts have been conducted for three years without interruption, and conclusions regarding the species trend since 1982 will be published (G. Rocamora in litt. 2014). Repetition of the distance sampling survey is being done at 5-10 year intervals (A. Reuleaux and N. Bunbury in litt. 2016).
Conservation Actions Proposed
Continue distance sampling of the C. barklyi population at regular intervals and at a fixed time of year to monitor the population trend, and narrow the confidence intervals of the population estimate. Continue control of yellow crazy ants across the core C. barklyi breeding area, and research into the impacts of rats on nest success. Conduct research into the potential causes of the seasonal fluctuations in breeding activity. Protect additional areas of native palm forest. Restore suitable native habitats. Continue awareness-raising activities to eliminate any residual persecution. Update the national species action plan and develop a plan to translocate C. barklyi to Silhouette.
Text account compilers
Clark, J.
Contributors
Bunbury, N., Butchart, S., Ekstrom, J., Reuleaux, A., Rocamora, G., Seychelles Islands Foundation, Symes, A., Taylor, J. & Westrip, J.R.S.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Seychelles Parrot Coracopsis barklyi. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/seychelles-parrot-coracopsis-barklyi on 26/11/2024.
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 26/11/2024.