Data Zone
Justification of Red List category
This species is suspected of having a moderately small population and range. Threats, while local, are thought to be causing a slow decline in population size as well as the loss and degradation of habitat. Nonetheless, much of its habitat remains in remote forest that is not currently impacted by threats. For these reasons it is listed as Near Threatened.
Population justification
If the Adelbert Mountains population is, as Beehler and Pratt (2016) suggest, no longer present, then the species occupies a maximum of only c.3,500 km2 of forest. The population density of this species (and other Parotia) is unknown, but based on this area of habitat, the population is precautionarily suspected to number only 5,000-15,000 mature individuals, although this requires more detailed confirmation.
Trend justification
This species was previously suspected to be in moderate decline owing to habitat loss within its range, however recent remote sensing data (Global Forest Watch 2022, based on data from Hansen et al. [2013] and methods disclosed therein) indicate that forest loss in its range is only c.2% over the past three generations (15.15 years; Bird et al. 2020). Additional complications are met with respect to the species' subpopulation in the Adelbert Mountains. Although apparently rare when discovered in 1974, it has not been seen since it was heard in 2004 (J. Diamond and D. Bishop in Beehler and Pratt 2016), despite several more recent and detailed searches for it. Beehler and Pratt (2016) consequently suspect that this subpopulation may have disappeared, postulating the reasons as a combination of forest loss, hunting and climate change impacts. It is entirely plausible that these threats are also acting on individuals on the Huon Peninsula, thus the species is suspected of experiencing a slow ongoing decline.
This species is known from the mountains of the Huon Peninsula and the Adelbert Mountains in Papua New Guinea. Its abundance varies from locally common in the Cromwell range (Coates 1990, W. Betz in litt. 1999) and regularly encountered in the YUS ecosystem of the Saruwaged range (B. Beehler in litt. 2012), to rare in the Adelberts (Pratt 1982, Eastwood and Gregory 1995). Records from Satop report three birds seen in three days in 1994 (compared to 16 of Astrapia rothschildi) (Eastwood and Gregory 1995). This species has a very narrow elevational distribution, most of which in the Huon Peninsula remains old growth forest.
It is found in mid-montane forest between 1,100-1,700 m on the Huon Peninsula and between 1,300-1,600 m in the Adelbert Mountains, although there are no recent records from the latter (Beehler and Pratt 2016). It forages actively and noisily in the subcanopy, probing ephiphytes and moss for arthropods, and also feeds on fruit. One or more adult males display on a cleared arena on the forest floor.
The mid-montane altitudes where this species occurs are favoured by local people for settlement and agriculture. Whilst this region does not have a high population density, the human population is expanding rapidly and clearing areas of forest within the species' range (I. Burrows in litt. 1994, W. Betz in litt. 1999). Beehler and Pratt (2016) suggested that logging and hunting of birds at display grounds may have caused the extirpation of birds from the Adelbert Mountains, and climate change may also be having, or have in the future, an impact.
Conservation and Research Actions Underway
CITES Appendix II. It is protected by law in Papua New Guinea.
Conservation and Research Actions Proposed
Urgently undertake comprehensive surveys in the Aldebert Mountains to determine its status there. Estimate population densities and sizes at known sites. Investigate population trends through interviews with local villagers. Survey other mountain ranges on the Huon Peninsula which have not been visited recently. Investigate its tolerance of secondary habitats for both foraging and breeding. Assess forest clearance rates between 1,100 and 1,700 m. Discuss creation of locally-managed forest reserves. Run awareness and education programmes for landowners.
43 cm. Long-tailed parotia. Male, glossy black with metallic breast shield, golden nasal tufts, six long, racket-tipped crown plumes and blue-and-white eyes. Female has black head with pale supercilium, rufous upperparts and finely barred underparts. Similar spp. Other Parotia spp. are extralimital. Huon Astrapia Astrapia rothschildi has longer, blunt-tipped tail. Western Superb Bird-of-paradise Lophorina superba is smaller with short, square tail. Voice Harsh, double cockatoo-like roar khh kaakkk and nasal twitterings. Hints Can be seen around Satop Village with permission and help of villagers.
Text account compilers
Berryman, A.
Contributors
Beehler, B.M., Betz, W., Burrows, I. & Dutson, G.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Wahnes's Parotia Parotia wahnesi. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/wahness-parotia-parotia-wahnesi on 23/11/2024.
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 23/11/2024.