Data Zone
Justification of Red List category
This species is listed as Vulnerable because it has a small range that is experiencing continued habitat conversion and degradation due to mining operations.
Population justification
This species was split from the Philippine Pitta Erythropitta erythrogaster in 2016. Based on a population density estimate for this congener, of 2.8-30 individuals/km2, and that only a proportion (c.20%) of the mapped range is likely to be occupied, the population size is inferred to be 308-3,300 individuals. This is roughly equivalent to 206-2,211 mature individuals.
Trend justification
The population is suspected to be in decline owing to habitat loss (Dutson 2011). Data from Global Forest Watch (2021) suggests that the rate of decline is likely <10% over three generations (12.2 years [Bird et al. 2020]).
Erythropitta splendida is restricted to the Tabar Islands, to the north of New Ireland in Papua New Guinea.
It favours patches of old-growth and tall logged forest with natural thickets of undergrowth, on flat topography (G. Dutson in litt. 2016). Diet consists of insects, snails, earthworms and occasionally plant material. Nest is usually built on the ground or low in a tree or shrub (del Hoyo et al. 2003).
The species is threatened by forest loss, particularly related to mining activity, with ongoing mining activity on Tatau and a c.2,500 ha mining lease in place on Simberi (Hansen et al. 2013; St Barbara Ltd 2016). The island of Tabar is thought to have large gold deposits, and is under an exploration licence (St. Barbara Ltd 2021). Data from the Global Forest Watch project indicate that forest loss in the period 2001-2019 on these islands has been around 9.5% (Global Forest Watch 2021).
Conservation Actions Proposed
Obtain a direct population estimate for the species. Establish whether birds move between islands, or whether each island constitutes a separate population, and if the latter estimate the sizes of these subpopulations. Protect areas of suitable habitat within its range.
16-18 cm. Small pitta with scarlet nape, thin blackish hindcollar, deep blue upperparts and a blue side to the breast.
Text account compilers
Clark, J.
Contributors
Butchart, S., Dutson, G., Ekstrom, J., Khwaja, N. & Martin, R.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Tabar Pitta Erythropitta splendida. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/tabar-pitta-erythropitta-splendida on 26/12/2024.
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 26/12/2024.