Data Zone
Justification of Red List category
This species has a large range, and hence does not approach the thresholds for Vulnerable under the range size criterion (extent of occurrence <20,000 km2 combined with a declining or fluctuating range size, habitat extent/quality, or population size and a small number of locations or severe fragmentation). The species is suspected to be declining but does not meet or approach the thresholds for Vulnerable under the population trend criterion (>30% decline over ten years or three generations). The population size is unknown and hence does not approach the thresholds for Vulnerable under the population size criterion (<10,000 mature individuals with a continuing decline estimated to be >10% in ten years or three generations, or with a specified population structure). For these reasons the species is evaluated as Least Concern.
Population justification
The population size of this species has not been quantified, but it is described as rare/uncommon and local (Eaton et al. 2021, J. Pilgrim in litt. 2024). Citizen science data (eBird 2023, C. Trainor in litt. 2024) suggest that it continues to be observed regularly where suitable habitat has been surveyed, particularly in Timor-Leste where this is more extensive.
Trend justification
This species appears to favour closed-canopy forest and is precautionarily suspected to be in decline as a result of habitat loss and degradation. Forest cover extent in this species' range reduced by c. 4-5% overall in the ten years to 2022 (Global Forest Watch 2023, based on data from Hansen et al. [2013] and methods disclosed therein). The species is described as particularly uncommon and its habitat restrictions are not well understood (J. Pilgrim in litt. 2024). Declines are therefore tentatively placed in a wider band of 1-15% in ten years and this is suspected to continue at the same rate in the future.
Heleia muelleri is restricted to Timor, Indonesia and Timor-Leste.
This species occurs up to 1,300 m in monsoon forest. It appears to favour lower-lying areas with closed-canopy forest, and may not persist in secondary habitats (van Balen 2020).
The closed-canopy forests inhabited by this species are diminishing in extent as a result of logging, clearance for agriculture and mining activities. There is some evidence the species is locally hunted for trade (O. Hidayat in litt. 2024), though the scope and severity of this threat are unknown.
Conservation Actions Underway
No targeted conservation actions are known for this species.
Conservation Actions Proposed
Conduct repeated surveys within the range to determine current distribution and abundance, as well as assess and monitor population trends. Conduct ecological studies to improve understanding of its precise habitat requirements, particularly tolerance of secondary habitats and response to fragmentation. Protect remaining suitable habitat.
Text account compilers
Vine, J.
Contributors
Trainor, C., Pilgrim, J. & Hidayat, O.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Spot-breasted White-eye Heleia muelleri. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/spot-breasted-white-eye-heleia-muelleri 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.