Justification This species is restricted to a very small island, within which it is uncommon. It is likely to have a moderately small global population size, and is suspected to be suffering slight declines as a result of habitat loss. However, the range is not yet severely fragmented or restricted to few locations. For these reasons, the species is classified as Near Threatened.

Family/Sub-family Meliphagidae

Species name author Rothschild, 1903

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

Identification

Population estimate

Population trend

Range estimate (breeding/resident)

Country endemic?

decreasing

2,600 km²

Yes

Range & population Myzomela kuehni is restricted to Wetar, Indonesia, where it is apparently scarce.

Ecology: This species occurs predominantly in lowland forest and wooded gardens, with a recent record from an area of coastal scrub, overgrown cultivation and tall secondary woodland. It remains little known and is apparently scarce.

Threats Although extensive forest still remains on the island, it must be assumed that Wetar, which is relatively small, is undergoing some deforestation as a result of human developments. Illegal logging and the development of gold mines could become increasing threats in the near future.

Conservation measures underway No targeted conservation actions are known for this species.

Conservation measures proposed Monitor occupied sites to determine whether declines are occurring. Conduct ecological studies to improve understanding of its precise habitat requirements, tolerance of secondary habitats and response to fragmentation. As a precaution, protect significant areas of suitable forest, in both strictly protected areas and community-led multiple use areas.

References BirdLife International (2001).

Further web sources of information

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), James Gilroy (BirdLife International)

IUCN Red List evaluators Phil Benstead (BirdLife International), Stuart Butchart (BirdLife International), James Gilroy (BirdLife International), Alison Stattersfield (BirdLife International)

Recommended citation BirdLife International (2009) Species factsheet: Myzomela kuehni. 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.

To provide new information to update this factsheet or to correct any errors, please email BirdLife

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