It is usually recorded gliding over primary hill forest to a maximum of 1,300 m¹. There are few records from logged or otherwise degraded forest, but its habitat requirements are poorly known^1,2,5. Its feeding ecology may be similar to that of H. longicauda which hunts above or within the canopy for arthropods, lizards, birds and birds' eggs³.

Red List Category

Red List Criteria

Version

2008

BirdLife International

Butchart, S. & Mahood, S.

Beehler, B., Bishop, K., Dutson, G., Finch, D., Gregory, P., Pilgrim, J. & Wilkinson, R.

This species is considered Vulnerable on the basis of a small estimated population which is suspected to be declining through rampant lowland forest loss, owing to primarily to conversion to oil palm. However, basic biological data on the species, and an assessment of its tolerance of logged forest, is urgently needed to further inform this assessment.

Population estimate = 0.4-2.0 individuals/km² x 3,500 km² (10% EOO) = 1,400-7,000, i.e. probably best placed in band 2,500-9,999, as "likely to be very under-recorded" (density range from six estimates for four species of similar-sized forest raptor in the BirdLife Population Densities Database).

Decreasing

Nearly all lowland and hill forests on gentle gradients on New Britain have been logged or are under logging concessions, and large areas have been subsequently converted to oil-palm plantations^1,4,7,9. However, much of this species's habitat is on steep slopes and montane forest which is not suitable for logging^2,4. These striking birds are likely to be shot opportunistically as trophies and for meat¹. Hunting has rendered H. longicauda scarce in some areas of New Guinea³.

Conservation Actions Underway
CITES Appendix II. No conservation measures are known.

Conservation Actions Proposed
Determine best survey techniques. Survey status in logged forest. Employ local hunters to find nests for intensive observation. Assess levels of hunting through interviewing local hunters. Interview local villagers about population trends. Map remaining forest and logging concessions across New Britain. Lobby for a moratorium on forest clearance for oil-palm plantations. Encourage creation of community-run sustainable logging rather than commercial logging. Encourage creation of large wildlife management areas on New Britain. Address hunting through public awareness discussions.