Justification This megapode occurs at moderate density within its very small range. Its global population size has not been estimated, but it is thought to be declining owing to habitat loss and hunting. However, the species persists in unfragmented habitat and is known from several islands. It therefore qualifies as Near Threatened.

Family/Sub-family Megapodiidae

Species name author P.L. Sclater, 1883

Taxonomic source(s) Jones et al. (1995)

Taxonomic note Megapodius reinwardt (Sibley and Monroe 1990, 1993) has been split into M. reinwardt and M. tenimberensis following Jones et al. (1995).

Identification 35-47 cm. A large brownish-olive megapode.More chestnut on the back and charcoal grey beneath. Nape with very short pointed crest. Has a pale bill and red skin around the eye. Red legs. Sexes similar. Similar spp. The congener, Orange-footed Megapode M. reinwardt is slightly darker and does not occur within the species's range.

Population estimate

Population trend

Range estimate (breeding/resident)

Country endemic?

1,000 - 10,000

decreasing

3,200 km²

Yes

Range & population Megapodius tenimberensis is endemic to the Tanimbar Islands in Indonesia. It is sparsely distributed throughout the lowlands, and is thought to be declining owing to habitat loss and exploitation¹.

Ecology: It occurs in primary, old selectively logged and tall secondary, semi-evergreen forest.

Threats This megapode is threatened by forest loss on the island of Yamdena. There is also evidence of hunting in the southern part of the island where forest clearance is most prevalent³.

Conservation measures underway A large protected area covering a representative range of habitats of Yamdena was proposed in 1995².

Conservation measures proposed Prevent hunting and forest clearance within protected areas. Repeat surveys to the Tanimbar Islands to estimate the species's population size and assess its status.

References Jones et al. (1995). 1. Bishop and Brickle (1998). 2. Jepson (1995). 3. K. D. Bishop in litt. (2006).

Text account compilers Jeremy Bird (BirdLife International), Stuart Butchart (BirdLife International), Mike Crosby (BirdLife International), Simon Mahood (BirdLife International)

Contributors K. David Bishop (VENT Bird Tours)

IUCN Red List evaluators Stuart Butchart (BirdLife International), Simon Mahood (BirdLife International)

Recommended citation BirdLife International (2009) Species factsheet: Megapodius tenimberensis. Downloaded from http://www.birdlife.org on 9/2/2010

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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