Species

Justification
This species has been found to be commoner than was once thought, however potential changes in gun cartridge quotas may lead to increased hunting pressure and a moderately rapid population reduction in the next three generations (20 years). It is therefore classified as Near Threatened.

Taxonomic source(s)
Sibley, C. G.; Monroe, B. L. 1990. Distribution and taxonomy of birds of the world. Yale University Press, New Haven, USA.

Distribution and population
Drepanoptila holosericea is endemic to New Caledonia (to France) where it is common in suitable habitat throughout the main island. Although it is absent from the Loyalty islands, it is present on the Ile des Pins, where it is common (V. Chartendrault and N. Barré in litt. 2007). Recent studies estimate the population to be in the region of 140,000 birds (Ekstrom et al. 2000).

Population justification
Based on an extrapolation of a mean density estimate of 0.354 individuals/ha, calculated from 281 point counts at seven forest sites in 1998, the total population is estimated at over 140,000 individuals.

Trend justification
There are no data, however the species is thought perhaps to be slowly declining owing to habitat degradation, and a moderate decline is predicted in the future if changes in cartridge quotas lead to an increase in hunting pressure.

Ecology
It occupies a wide range of habitats, including primary and secondary humid forest to 1,000 m and Melaleuca savanna (Y. Létocart verbally 1998, Ekstrom et al. 2000, V. Chartendrault and N. Barré in litt. 2007). It appears to prefer humid forest between 400-600 m and to favour the forest edge (V. Chartendrault and N. Barré in litt. 2007, C. Meresse in litt. 2009).

Threats
Hunting levels are currently very low owing to cartridge quotas which mean that hunters save their ammunition for larger targets, particularly New Caledonian Imperial-pigeon Ducula goliath (V. Chartendrault and N. Barré in litt. 2007, V. Chartendrault in litt. 2009). However, the national legislation for cartridge quotas is under review and includes a proposal to reduce or remove quotas; this may lead to an increase in hunting pressure in the near future (V. Chartendrault in litt. 2009). Although some forest is being lost to fire, logging and mining, this species has declined only very slowly to date, but it may be threatened if hunting levels greatly increase (Ekstrom et al. 2000).

Conservation actions underway
It is protected by law, although some hunting still takes place.

Conservation actions proposed
Effectively protect lowland forests. Monitor populations in key sites. Intensify awareness campaigns in local communities to enforce the protection of the species. Maintain a quota on cartridges.

References
Ekstrom, J. M. M.; Jones, J. P. G.; Willis, J.; Isherwood, I. 2000. The humid forests of New Caledonia: biological research and conservation recommendations for the vertebrate fauna of Grande Terre. CSB Conservation Publications, Cambridge, U.K.

Further web sources of information
Hear sounds for this species from xeno-canto, the community database of shared bird sounds from around the world.

View photos and videos, and hear sounds of this species from the Internet Bird Collection

Text account compilers
Derhé, M., Dutson, G., Mahood, S., O'Brien, A., Symes, A.

Contributors
Barré, N., Chartendrault, V., Létocart, Y., Meresse, C., Theuerkauf, J.

IUCN Red List evaluators
Butchart, S., Symes, A.

Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2013) Species factsheet: Drepanoptila holosericea. Downloaded from http://www.birdlife.org on 21/05/2013. Recommended citation for factsheets for more than one species: BirdLife International (2013) IUCN Red List for birds. Downloaded from http://www.birdlife.org on 21/05/2013.

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

To contribute to discussions on the evaluation of the IUCN Red List status of Globally Threatened Birds, please visit BirdLife's Globally Threatened Bird Forums.