• Summary
• Text account
• Data table and detailed info
• Distribution map
• Reference and further resources

Justification of Red List category
Eclectus riedeli exists in what can be considered a single, small subpopulation that is inferred to be undergoing continuing decline. It is classified as Vulnerable under Criterion C2a(ii).

Population justification
Eclectus riedeli is thought to have similar population densities to those recorded for E. polychloros (11 individuals/km²). The population of E. riedeli is therefore estimated at 10,000-15,000 individuals, which equates to 6,600-10,000 mature individuals.

Trend justification
E. riedeli is thought to be declining slowly due to continued habitat loss through deforestation and local trade. The species is often observed at the edge of the extensive remaining forest suggesting that over the whole of Yamdena and Larat the rate of decline is relatively low (eBird 2019), large areas of Yamdena have limited access to people even today. Rates of deforestation within the range of E. riedeli are approximately 8% over three generations (Tracewski et al. 2016). The threat posed by trapping and trade is also relatively low. Whilst the species is locally traded, with individuals noted as pets on Yamdena, it does not appear to be exported from the island in large numbers (Bishop and Brickle 1999).

E. riedeli occurs only within the Tanimbar Islands, with its range spreading throughout Yamdena, the largest of the Tanimbar Islands, and Larat Island to the north (Collar et al. 2019).

The Tanimbar Eclectus occupies the canopy of all wooded habitats. It is most common in primary lowland forest but is also found from coast to mid-montane areas, including mangroves, nypa forest, freshwater swamp, dryland forest, coastal scrub, denser savanna woodland, parkland, plantations, secondary growth and garden areas. The species becomes much rarer above 1,000 m but has been encountered up to 1,900 m (Collar et al. 2019). Typically feeds on fruits, seeds, nuts, leaf-buds and blossoms (Collar et al. 2019). Generally breeds between August and September, possibly January but is very likely at any time of the year. Nests in holes high up on tree, generally in a clearing or at forest edge, with up to eight birds attending each nest (Collar et al. 2019).

E. riedeli is currently susceptible to both habitat loss through deforestation and local trade. The species is often observed at the edge of the extensive remaining forest suggesting that over the whole of Yamdena and Larat the rate of decline is relatively low (eBird 2019), large areas of Yamdena have limited access to people even today. Rates of deforestation within the range of E. riedeli are approximately 8% over three generations (Tracewski et al. 2016). The threat posed by trapping and trade is also relatively low. Whilst the species is locally traded, with individuals noted as pets on Yamdena, it does not appear to be exported from the island in large numbers (Bishop and Brickle 1999). The species is CITES II listed (Collar et al. 2019).

Conservation Actions Underway

Listed under CITES Appendix II. 

Conservation Actions Proposed

Conduct a targeted survey for the species to identify important sites, with a view to affording them protection. Conduct research into its habitat use (with particular regard to feeding ecology and forest fragmentation) such that long-term management of the species is facilitated. Monitor trade across Indonesia to investigate whether this presents an increasing threat. Initiate awareness campaigns to elicit the support of local people in protecting forests.

Smaller than other Eclectus; male green; upper mandible yellowish red, lower black; flanks and underwing-coverts red; leading edge of wing blue; primaries with deep blue; tail with increasing blue suffusion laterally, below brownish black, tipped yellowish white both sides. Female almost entirely red, darker on back and wings; bill black; leading edge of wing blue; tail tipped orange-yellow. Immature resembles adult of respective sex, bill greyer.

Text account compilers
Ekstrom, J., Everest, J., Butchart, S., Elliott, N.

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Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Tanimbar Eclectus Eclectus riedeli. Downloaded from https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/tanimbar-eclectus-eclectus-riedeli on 27/11/2024.
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 27/11/2024.