Data Zone
Justification of Red List category
This species occupies a moderately small range and is described as uncommon although its population size is not thought to be very small. The population is suspected to be declining owing to ongoing habitat loss and degradation, but the rate of population decline is not thought to approach the threshold for being listed as threatened. It is therefore assessed as Least Concern.
Population justification
The population size of this taxon has not been quantified, but it is described as uncommon (Eaton et al. 2021). In recent surveys on Peleng by Burung Indonesia, this species was found at only five sites (of eleven surveyed) and was absent from highly disturbed agricultural/scrubby landscapes (J. S. Udin in litt. 2023); nonetheless, within its total range lies approximately 4,500 km2 of forest at a suitable elevation, thus even if only a relatively small proportion of this is occupied, the total population size is probably not very small.
Trend justification
The only identified threat to this species is habitat loss and degradation, particularly caused by slash and burn agriculture. Because this species is absent from agricultural areas (which it presumably once formerly occupied when forested), a continuing decline caused by habitat loss is inferred. No direct data are available to estimate the rate of decline, however in the 11 years to 2022, forest cover in the species' range declined by c. 7% (Global Forest Watch 2023, based on data from Hansen et al. [2013] and methods disclosed therein). Its exact habitat tolerances are poorly known, but it is at least somewhat forest dependent (del Hoyo et al. 2020, J. S. Udin in litt. 2023) and rates of forest loss are considered a reasonable proxy for population reduction; accordingly it is suspected of declining at an ongoing rate of 5-15% over three generations.
Erythropitta dohertyi is endemic to the Banggai and Sula Islands, Indonesia.
This species appears to occur in a range of primary and secondary forest types, including selectively logged patches and areas of bamboo, usually below 800 m (del Hoyo et al. 2020, Eaton et al. 2021).
The clearance, disturbance and degradation of lowland forests is increasing in this species' range due to expansion of commercial logging and small-scale agriculture (del Hoyo et al. 2020). Slash and burn agriculture, in particular, has been identified as a threat to this species (J. S. Udin in litt. 2023).
Conservation Actions Underway
The species is likely to occur within Taliabu Nature Reserve but there is no other protected area within its range. Burung Indonesia (BirdLife in Indonesia) are taking conservation action on the island, with community engagement (awareness and education) underway (J. S. Udin in litt. 2023).
Conservation Actions Proposed
Conduct repeated surveys across the species' range to quantify its population size and status. Conduct ecological studies to improve understanding of its precise habitat requirements, tolerance of secondary habitats and response to fragmentation. Effectively protect significant areas of suitable forest at key sites, in both strictly protected areas and community-led multiple use areas.
Text account compilers
Haskell, L., Berryman, A.
Contributors
Sulfani Udin, J.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Sula Pitta Erythropitta dohertyi. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/sula-pitta-erythropitta-dohertyi 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.