LC
Volcano Swiftlet Aerodramus vulcanorum



Justification

Justification of Red List category
This species probably has a moderately small population within its small range on Javan volcanoes, but in the absence of evidence for significant threats its population is suspected to be stable. It is therefore listed as Least Concern.

Population justification
The global population size has not been quantified, but the species is described as fairly common in the six localities where it is known to occur (Eaton et al. 2021).

Trend justification
Although precise data on trends are lacking, the population is suspected to be stable in the absence of evidence for significant threats.

Distribution and population

This species is restricted to Java, Indonesia. It is known from six localities across the island – Mt Gede, Mt Pangrango, Mt Tangkuban Prahu, Mt Ciremai, Mt Slamet and the Yang Highlands – with unconfirmed reports from a further four (B. van Balen in litt. 2023).

Ecology

This species nests in rock crevices along the rim of active volcano craters at 2,200-3,000 m, and forages around peaks and ridges of  breeding volcanoes and over hilly primary forest (del Hoyo et al. 2020, Eaton et al. 2021).

Threats

As the species nests in crater crevices and all known localities are active volcanoes, the population size is inherently restricted and colonies are potentially vulnerable to periodic extinction due to volcanic activity. However, the species has evolved to breed solely in active volcano craters, and this would suggest it has survived previous eruptions. Habitat requirements are poorly known, but this species could be susceptible to the loss of forest habitats surrounding breeding sites due to logging and agricultural conversion. Disturbance by tourists may become an increasing problem at locations such as Mt Gede and Mt  Tangkuban Perahu (Imanuddin in litt. 2004, Jihad, Burung Indonesia in litt. 2016).

Conservation actions

Conservation Actions Underway
No targeted conservation actions are known for this species.

Conservation Actions Proposed
Conduct surveys throughout the known range in order to determine current status and population size. Conduct ecological studies to explore habitat requirements, particularly the link to forest cover surrounding breeding sites. Protect areas of forest around volcano craters to ensure this potentially important habitat is not lost. Raise public awareness of this species and its status to attempt to minimise disturbance by tourists (Jihad, Burung Indonesia in litt. 2016).

Acknowledgements

Text account compilers
Berryman, A., Haskell, L.

Contributors
Eaton, J., Imanuddin, Sulfani Udin, J. & van Balen, B.S.


Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Volcano Swiftlet Aerodramus vulcanorum. Downloaded from https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/volcano-swiftlet-aerodramus-vulcanorum on 23/12/2024.
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 23/12/2024.