LC
White-headed Fruit-dove Ptilinopus eugeniae



Justification

Justification of Red List category
This species may have a very restricted range, however it is relatively common and appears to benefit from ongoing forest loss and degradation. The species is therefore listed as Least Concern.

Population justification
The global population size has not been quantified, but the species is described as moderately common in degraded forest, especially on small islands and hills to at least 700 m (Gibbs et al. 2001, Dutson 2011). Buckingham et al. (1990) recorded 15 contacts per km2 in old-growth lowland forest, 7.9 in old-growth hill forest and 4.0 in coconuts and secondary forest. The species is likely more common in mosaics of forest and gardens and certainly exceeds 10,000 mature individuals (G. Dutson in litt. 2023).

Trend justification
Forest loss is low in this species' range, amounting to 4-5% in the three generations to 2021 (Global Forest Watch 2022, based on data from Hansen et al. [2013] and methods disclosed therein). It is described as locally tolerant of forest degradation (Dutson 2011) and may even select disturbed habitats, with the species occurring in secondary forest, garden and mixed Cocoa plantations rather than primary forest (Davies et al. 2015). As such, forest loss is unlikely to be causing declines and the population trend is suspected to be stable overall.

Distribution and population

Ptilinopus eugeniae is endemic to Makira (= San Cristobal) and nearby islets Uki and Malaupaina in the Solomon Islands.

Ecology

Inhabits forest up to 700 m. It eats small seeded fruits and berries.

Threats

Conservation actions

Conservation Actions Underway
None is known.

Conservation Actions Proposed
Survey to determine tolerance of logged forest. Conduct social surveys to determine the extent of hunting.

Acknowledgements

Text account compilers
Vine, J.

Contributors
Dutson, G.


Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: White-headed Fruit-dove Ptilinopus eugeniae. Downloaded from https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/white-headed-fruit-dove-ptilinopus-eugeniae on 06/12/2024.
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 06/12/2024.