Species

Justification
This scarce species probably has a moderately small population. It may be in decline owing to persecution for the wild bird trade, and it is therefore considered 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.

Taxonomic note
The BirdLife Taxonomic Working Group is aware that phylogenetic analyses have been published which have proposed generic rearrangements which may affect this species, but prefers to wait until work by other taxonomists reveals how these changes affect the entire groups involved.

Distribution and population
Parus holsti is confined to the mountains of central Taiwan (China) (BirdLife International 2001). It is generally found at low densities.

Population justification
The global population size has not been quantified, but the species is described as uncommon or rare (del Hoyo et al. 2007), while the population in Taiwan has been estimated at c.100-10,000 breeding pairs in Taiwan (Brazil 2009).

Trend justification
Data on population trends are lacking, but this species has been captured for trade in the past, so a continuing negative trend is suspected.

Ecology
This species occurs in primary broadleaved forest and occasionally secondary growth at 700-2,500 m.

Threats
This species was reportedly captured regularly during large-scale netting of wild birds for export. However, much of its habitat is secure, as c.11% of Taiwan (China) is protected in national parks, nature reserves and wildlife sanctuaries.

Conservation actions underway
No targeted conservation actions are known for this species, although some of its habitat is protected.

Conservation actions proposed
Conduct repeated surveys within the species's range to determine its current distribution and abundance, as well as assess population trends and rates of habitat loss. Conduct ecological studies to improve understanding of its precise habitat requirements, tolerance of secondary habitats and response to fragmentation. Monitor rates of trapping for the bird trade. Ensure the effective protection of protected areas which harbour this species.

References
BirdLife International. 2001. Threatened birds of Asia: the BirdLife International Red Data Book. BirdLife International, Cambridge, U.K.

Further web sources of information
Detailed species accounts from the Threatened birds of Asia: the BirdLife International Red Data Book (BirdLife International 2001).

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
Butchart, S., Gilroy, J., Taylor, J.

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

Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2013) Species factsheet: Parus holsti. 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

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