Species

Justification
This unobtrusive, shy species has a very small population inhabiting a very small range, leading to its classification as Vulnerable. However, there are extremely few data on which to base this estimate and it may prove either to be more widespread (and thus warrant downlisting to Near Threatened) or to be threatened by introduced mammals (and thus warrant uplisting to Endangered or even Critically Endangered).

Taxonomic note
Zoothera margaretae (Sibley and Monroe 1990, 1993) has been split into Z. margaretae and Z. turipavae following Cain and Galbraith (1956).

Identification
20 cm. Small dark grey-brown thrush. Upperparts plain with faint buffy eye-ring and fading more rufous onto rump. Throat paler and underparts spotted off-white, with more prominent, larger spots on belly. Bill dark, long legs dark fleshy-horn. Similar spp. Island Thrush Turdus poliocephalus plain brown with yellow bill, eye-ring and legs, juveniles duller with irregular tawny and orange spots. Voice Loud, clear song with repeated phrases.

Distribution and population
Zoothera turipavae has been recorded just three times from the type locality on Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands, where there appears to be c.100 km² of suitable habitat. One specimen was taken in 1953 (Cain and Galbraith 1956) and singles were seen in 1994 and 1997 (Gibbs 1996, G. Dutson pers. obs. 1997). The 1994 and 1997 records were of singing birds but no others were heard during these visits, which totaled about 10 days in suitable habitat. All other Melanesian Zoothera thrushes appear to be locally common but may be patchily distributed (G. Dutson pers. obs. 1997).


Population justification
The population is estimated to number 250-999 mature individuals based on an assessment of known records, descriptions of abundance and range size. This is consistent with recorded population density estimates for congeners or close relatives with a similar body size, and the fact that only a proportion of the estimated Extent of Occurrence is likely to be occupied. This estimate is equivalent to 375-1,499 individuals in total, rounded here to 350-1,500 individuals.

Trend justification
There is no data and the population trend is not known, but is assumed to be stable.

Ecology
The 1994 and 1997 birds were singing at 1,450-1,500 m at the altitudinal intergrade of montane and mossy forest, where it occurs with Island Thrush Turdus poliocephalus (Gibbs 1996, G. Dutson pers. obs. 1997). It is presumably a typical, largely terrestrial, ground thrush Zoothera sp.

Threats
Although it may occur above the altitudes of logging and other human causes of forest degradation, intensive logging on west Guadalcanal may have had a negative impact on the species's habitat as some of these operations occurred in hill forest habitats and have altered the hydrology of the area (C. Filardi in litt. 2012). In addition, mining and prospecting activity has intensified in recent few years (C. Filardi in litt. 2012). It may be affected by introduced mammalian predators, especially cats and rats which are relatively common at high altitudes on Guadalcanal (T. Leary in litt. 2000).


Conservation actions underway
None is known. Some surveys are planned to obtain more up-to-date data on the species within the next year (C. Filardi in litt. 2012).

Conservation actions proposed
Survey other high mountains on Guadalcanal. Use mist-nets and tape-recordings to help locate it. Survey at lower altitudes on the southern watershed. Search for a more readily accessible population above Gold Ridge. Research basic population ecology and habitat requirements of closely related Makira Thrush Z. margaretae. Assess the threat from introduced mammals. If judged necessary, instigate control measures against introduced mammals. Grant protection to areas of suitable habitat.

References
Cain, A. J.; Galbraith, I. C. J. 1956. Field notes on the birds of the eastern Solomon Islands. Ibis 98: 100-134, 262-295.

Gibbs, D. 1996. Notes on Solomon Island birds. Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club 116: 18-25.

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
Benstead, P., Derhé, M., Dutson, G., Ekstrom, J., Mahood, S.

Contributors
Dutson, G., Filardi, C., Leary, T.

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

Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2013) Species factsheet: Zoothera turipavae. Downloaded from http://www.birdlife.org on 25/05/2013. Recommended citation for factsheets for more than one species: BirdLife International (2013) IUCN Red List for birds. Downloaded from http://www.birdlife.org on 25/05/2013.

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.

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