Data Zone
Justification of Red List category
This species has a tiny range, and although it remains common within suitable habitat, it is under constant threat from future habitat loss. It is therefore considered Near Threatened, and should be monitored carefully.
Population justification
The population size of this species has not been quantified, but it is described as locally common in suitable habitat.
Trend justification
Slow declines may have occurred in response to forest clearance, although the magnitude of these declines is unlikely to be high.
Aplonis crassa is restricted to the Banda Sea Islands Endemic Bird Area, Indonesia, where it occurs only on the Tanimbar group. It is common within this small range.
This species inhabits a variety of forest habitats, including mangroves, secondary growth and edge.
Significant logging is occurring in the south of Yamdena, but little is known of the status of habitats on the other islands. As it persists in secondary and edge habitats, it is unlikely to be declining at a rapid rate.
Conservation Actions Underway
Conservation Actions Proposed
Monitor population trends and habitat status in the Tanimbar group. Conduct ecological studies to improve understanding of its precise habitat requirements, particularly tolerance of secondary habitats and response to fragmentation. Protect areas of suitable habitat.
Text account compilers
Khwaja, N., Benstead, P., Gilroy, J.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Tanimbar Starling Aplonis crassa. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/tanimbar-starling-aplonis-crassa on 22/11/2024.
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 22/11/2024.