Justification This species is classified as Endangered because it has a very small range. Its distribution is severely fragmented and it is restricted to a very small area when breeding. Although the population of this species is presently stable, a significant proportion of its habitat continues to be destroyed and at least two locations have recently been lost.

Family/Sub-family Pardalotidae

Species name author Gould, 1838

Taxonomic source(s) Christidis and Boles (1994), Sibley and Monroe (1990, 1993)

Identification 9-10 cm. Greenish pardalote with spotted wings. Sexes, adults and juveniles similar. Olive-green upperparts, finely scalloped darker, greyish-white below. Yellow wash around face and undertail-coverts. Black wings and tail with prominent white spots on tips of feathers. Similar spp. Juvenile Spotted Pardalote P. punctatus is more boldly patterned above, with greyish ear-coverts, buff-white spots on crown and orange-brown rump. Calls differ. Voice Inadequately known. Double-noted, territorial piping, second note marginally lower-pitched than first (P. punctatus has second note appreciably lower).

Population estimate

Population trend

Range estimate (breeding/resident)

Country endemic?

3,800

stable

330 km²

Yes

Range & population Pardalotus quadragintus is endemic to Tasmania, Australia, and some larger offshore islands. It is present in all available habitat on Maria and Bruny Islands, which contain 90% of the population. Small remnant colonies remain on Flinders Island, and on the mainland of Tasmania at Tinderbox Peninsula, Howden and Mt Nelson near Hobart. Colonies found previously at Lime Bay and Coningham have not been found in recent times and in 2002 extensive bushfires may have damaged the Flinders Island colonies. In 1986, a census counted 3,520 individuals in 110 colonies in 38 km². In 1994-1997, 3,840 individuals were counted in 121 colonies in 41 km^{2 1}. The species is considered stable, with most variation in counts due to the location of several new colonies within its historical range.

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

Ecology: It is found exclusively in open white gum Eucalyptus viminalis forest or woodland, E. viminalis providing most of its food in the form of invertebrates, lerp secretions and manna.

Threats About 60% of occupied habitat is reserved, but on private land, habitat continues to be lost because of clearance, sheep-grazing (preventing E. viminalis regeneration), subdivision and urban development. During the 1985 breeding season it was noted that timber clearance was underway or had taken place in or adjacent to six colonies on Bruny Island². In the past, developments on the Tasmanian mainland appear to have allowed the aggressive honeyeater, the Noisy Miner Manorina melanocephala, and the introduced Laughing Kookaburra Dacelo novaehollandiae, to invade the species's habitat. Wildfire that retards regrowth of E. viminalis can also be a threat, particularly for isolated populations.

Conservation measures underway Surveys have been undertaken and have identified new colonies. A key site on north Bruny Island has been acquired and declared a state reserve for the species with an approved management plan. Key sites have also been acquired on Flinders Island. Guidelines have been established for production forestry within 5 km of the coast between Bicheno and Southport and for the Maria Island National Park Management Plan. Further E. viminalis clearance in or near existing colonies is forbidden. A community network has been established on Bruny Island. A recovery plan has been implemented and a new integrated plan prepared.

Conservation measures proposed Monitor populations at 10-year intervals. Map E. viminalis communities in greater detail. Determine relationship between site variables and food productivity. Determine juvenile dispersal, home range and colony dynamics. Control cats in known colonies. Re-establish E. viminalis at sites within 5 km of the coast between Bicheno and Southport, particularly near existing colonies. Manage existing stands by limiting grazing and firewood-collection and managing fuel levels with a mosaic of low-intensity burns. Develop a management strategy for E. viminalis forest. Ensure habitat regrowth (on Bruny Island) is permitted². Monitor colonies on Bruny Island, with priority given to those over 50 birds².

References S. Bryant pers. comm.(2003). 1. Garnett and Crowley (2000). 2. Brown and Rounsevell (undated).

Further web sources of information

Australian Govt - Action Plan for Australian Birds 2000 - Recovery Outline

Text account compilers Phil Benstead (BirdLife International), Stephen Garnett (Charles Darwin University), Stephen Garnett (Birds Australia), Rachel McClellan (BirdLife International), John Pilgrim (BirdLife International), Joe Taylor (BirdLife International)

Contributors Sally Bryant (Parks & Wildlife Service, Hobart), David Rounsevell

IUCN Red List evaluators Stuart Butchart (BirdLife International), Guy Dutson (Birds Australia), Stephen Garnett (Charles Darwin University), Joe Taylor (BirdLife International)

Recommended citation BirdLife International (2009) Species factsheet: Pardalotus quadragintus. 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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