Justification This species has a very small range (being known from few locations) which is declining owing to habitat loss. It has undergone a rapid population decline, largely as a result of trapping for trade, and this is projected to increase in the future. It therefore qualifies as Endangered.

Family/Sub-family Psittacidae

Species name author (Müller, 1776)

Taxonomic source(s) Sibley and Monroe (1990, 1993)

Identification 31 cm. Strikingly-patterned, arboreal parrot. Red, with orange bill and purplish-blue patch on mid- to hind crown and broad line from eye to mantle. Purplish-blue breast-band, mantle and back. Black scapulars, flight feathers and thighs. Red wing feathers tipped black. Reddish-purple tail. Voice Short harsh chattering screeches.

Population estimate

Population trend

Range estimate (breeding/resident)

Country endemic?

8,200 - 21,400

decreasing

1,000 km²

Yes

Range & population Eos histrio is now confined to the Talaud Islands (almost exclusively on Karakelang) off northern Sulawesi, Indonesia. Further populations (some apparently the result of introductions) disappeared during the 20th century from Sangihe, Siau and Tagulandang. Although it was previously abundant, the species has declined and the population on Karakelang was estimated at 8,230-21,400 birds in 1999¹.

Important Bird Areas Click here to view map showing IBAs where species is recorded and triggers any of the IBA criteria.

Ecology: It inhabits forests, eating fruit and insects, but also visits agricultural areas to feed on coconut nectar and various cultivated fruits. Highest densities have been recorded in primary forest but the species does tolerate secondary forest too¹. The main breeding period appears to be May-June (although nesting has been suspected in several other months), in holes in tall trees. Flocks regularly make short seasonal movements, and in some cases roost on offshore islands.

Threats Trade represents a significant and ongoing threat to the species. It was widely trapped as early as the 19th century. In 1999, research suggested that as many as 1,000-2,000 birds were leaving Karakelang each year, 80% (illegally) to the Philippines. This is compounded by extensive loss of forest, perhaps the main factor underlying its disappearance from Sangihe. The reasons behind habitat loss are small-holder agricultural encroachment into primary forest and (illegal) commercial logging. Furthermore, in 2003 there were plans to develop a commercial banana plantation on Karakelang¹. The use of insecticides and the transmission of disease via escaped cage-birds to wild populations, have been identified as a further potential hazards.

Conservation measures underway CITES Appendix I, and a protected species in Indonesia. Although 350 km² of primary forest has some form of protected status on Karakelang, 250 km² as a Wildlife Reserve, there is, at present, no management of these sites¹. Since 1995, the "Action Sampiri" project has been working for biodiversity conservation in Sangihe and Talaud, conducting fieldwork and conservation awareness programmes, and developing ideas for future land-use. Efforts have been made to promote local support of the species on Talaud, its last stronghold.

Conservation measures proposed Monitor population trends and trapping levels. Enforce legislation (including strict dock controls) to reduce trading to sustainable levels. Conduct further research, provide training and resources for reserve staff and produce a cross-community management plan. Continue conservation awareness programmes to highlight the plight of this species and increase local support for its conservation. Develop capacity to effectively protect current reserves.

References BirdLife International (2001). 1. Riley (2003).

Further web sources of information

Alliance for Zero Extinction (AZE) species/site profile. This species has been identified as an AZE trigger due to its IUCN Red List status and limited range.

Fully detailed species accounts from the Threatened birds of Asia: the BirdLife International Red Data Book (BirdLife International 2001), together with new information collated since the publication of the Red Data Book

Text account compilers Phil Benstead (BirdLife International), Jeremy Bird (BirdLife International), Pete Davidson (BirdLife International), Joe Tobias (BirdLife International)

IUCN Red List evaluators Jeremy Bird (BirdLife International), P. J. Bubb, Stuart Butchart (BirdLife International), Mike Crosby (BirdLife International)

Recommended citation BirdLife International (2009) Species factsheet: Eos histrio. Downloaded from http://www.birdlife.org on 10/2/2010

This information is based upon, and updates, the information published in BirdLife International (2000) Threatened birds of the world. Barcelona and Cambridge, UK: Lynx Edicions and BirdLife International, BirdLife International (2004) Threatened birds of the world 2004 CD-ROM and BirdLife International (2008) Threatened birds of the world 2008 CD-ROM. These sources provide the information for species accounts for the birds on the IUCN Red List.

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