Data Zone
Justification of Red List category
This kingfisher is restricted to a small island group, where it is inferred to have a small population comprising a single subpopulation. It is undergoing a suspected decline owing to habitat loss and degradation. It is therefore classified as Near Threatened.
Population justification
No species-specific population estimate has been generated for the species. Other Ceyx species have been recorded at densities of 2–10 birds/km2 (Bell 1982, Vernon 1985). In 2020, there was approximately 4,400 km2 of forest (excluding plantations) left in the species' range (Global Forest Watch 2022, based on data from Hansen et al. [2013] and methods disclosed therein). Assuming C. wallacii occurs at similar densities to other Ceyx and that approximately 10–20% of suitable habitat is occupied (a reflection of its apparently being quite common; F. Rheindt in litt. 2020), the population likely numbers 880–8,800, or 580–5,800 mature individuals. Given field observations, a best estimate of 2,500–5,000 mature individuals is suspected.
Trend justification
Forest loss in this species' range is equivalent to c.5–8% over ten years (Global Forest Watch 2022, based on data from Hansen et al. [2013] and methods disclosed therein). Because it requires some element of forested habitat to persist (i.e. it does not occur in agricultural areas and has not been recorded in plantations) but is at least partially tolerant of degradation, there is uncertainty in the extent to which a decline in forest cover reflects a decline in the population of this species. To account for these uncertainties, the population is suspected of having declined 1–9% over the past 10 years and, with no likely abatement in forest loss, this rate is projected into the future.
Ceyx wallacii is endemic to the Sula islands, Indonesia, where it occurs on the islands of Seho, Taliabu, Mangole and Sanana (del Hoyo et al. 2001). The species was previously considered common on Taliabu in the early 1990s (del Hoyo et al. 2020). Numbers were suspected to be in decline on the island due to loss of primary forests (del Hoyo et al. 2020), however, the species is considered to now be particularly common across secondary forests (F. Rheindt in litt. 2020).
This species occurs primarily in forested areas. Mist-netting surveys have however found high concentrations of the species across secondary forests in Taliabu and it is considered common here (Rheindt et al. 2014, F. Rheindt in litt. 2020). Principally occurs to 500 m, but recorded to at least 1,300 m.
The only identified threat to this species is the ongoing loss of forest in its range, which is occurring at an ongoing rate of approximately c.5–8% over ten years (Global Forest Watch 2022, based on data from Hansen et al. [2013] and methods disclosed therein). However, it tolerates secondary habitat types, such that this is only thought to be causing moderate declines.
Conservation and research actions underway
No targeted actions are known and there are currently no protected areas within the species' range.
Conservation and research actions proposed
Determine its precise ecological requirements and its ability to persist in degraded and fragmented habitats. Ensure the effective protection of existing protected areas in which it occurs.
Text account compilers
Berryman, A.
Contributors
Ekstrom, J., Symes, A., Butchart, S. & Taylor, J.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Sula Dwarf-kingfisher Ceyx wallacii. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/sula-dwarf-kingfisher-ceyx-wallacii 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.