Species

Justification
This poorly known species is likely to have a small population, occupying a very small range, which is suspected to be declining owing to habitat degradation; however, its population is not severely fragmented or restricted to a few locations. For these reasons, the species is classified as Near Threatened. Recent data suggest that its population may in fact be very small and undergoing at least a moderately rapid decline, which, if confirmed by further study, would warrant the uplisting of this species.

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
Paradisaea decora is restricted to Fergusson (1,340 km²) and Normanby (1,040 km²) in the D'Entrecasteaux archipelago of east Papua New Guinea. It has been described as fairly common (LeCroy et al. 1984); however, recently acquired information suggests that the population may number as few as c.650 individuals (D. Mitchell in litt. 2008). Surveys of two sub-populations indicate declines of c.20% from c.1997 to 2007 (D. Mitchell in litt. 2008).

Population justification
The population is preliminarily suspected to number 1,000-2,499 individuals, but may possibly be as low as c.650 individuals (D. Mitchell in litt. 2007).

Trend justification
The species is suspected to be undergoing at least a slow decline owing to habitat degradation.

Ecology
It occurs in forest between 300 m and at least 700 m. It appears to inhabit secondary regrowth and forest edge, suggesting some tolerance of logging (Coates 1990, Frith and Beehler 1998).

Threats
Although there are no imminent plans for large-scale logging on these islands, both have been targeted by multi-national logging companies and there is a proposal to convert large areas of Normanby to cash crops (Ingram 1994, Loney 1996). The species suffers negative effects from the conversion of forest to gardens (D. Mitchell in litt. 2008).

Conservation actions underway
CITES Appendix II.

Conservation actions proposed
Regularly monitor the population at selected sites. Further research its tolerance of degraded forest. Protect significant areas of remaining primary forest. Lobby against large-scale development of forested areas on the islands where it occurs.

References
LeCroy, M.; Peckover, W. S.; Kulupi, A.; Manseima, J. 1984. Bird observations on Normanby and Fergusson, D'Entrecasteaux Islands, Papua New Guinea. Division of Wildlife, Boroko, Papua New Guinea.

Coates, B. J. 1990. The birds of Papua New Guinea, 2: passerines. Dove, Alderley, Australia.

Ingram, G. B. 1994. Institutional obstacles to conservation: Fergusson Island, Papua New Guinea. Pacific Affairs 67: 26-45.

Loney, M. 1996. Normanby trees threatened. The Eastern Star 109(1 April): 1.

Frith, C. B.; Beehler, B. M. 1998. The birds of paradise. Oxford University Press, Inc, New York.

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., Taylor, J.

Contributors
Mitchell, D.

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

Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2013) Species factsheet: Paradisaea decora. 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.

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.