Megjelent: 2024.12.26.
Róbert Horváth, Tibor Kovács & Péter Juhász
Abstract: Our research on Diphyllodes respublica in Batanta began in 2009. Over 220 field days including more than 60 nights and early mornings spent in the field, we conducted surveys in the valleys of 21 waterways and additional areas. The species’ presence was recorded based on visual observations (presence of males, females and display courts) and acoustic cues, specifically the characteristic calls of males. We found the species at six locations: one at 45 meters, two between 90–120 meters, and three others between 320–420 meters above sea level. The site at 45 meters is of particular interest, because the species has previously been reported only from elevations between 100–1200 meters. We observed aggregate and synchronized courtship displays of males on two occasions. Based on our observations, display courts appear to be inherited and maintained for decades. The display court found at 45 meters in the valley of the Waibin River is at the lowest elevation observed to date. Although we rarely visited areas above 400 meters, based on the six habitat patches we found over the 15 years, we believe the species is not common on Batanta. Two-thirds of its known habitats are located in protected areas. Based on our findings, we recommend the protection of the entire island, the prohibition of deforestation, and the uplisting of Diphyllodes respublica from “Near Threatened” to the “Vulnerable” IUCN category.
Hivatkozás: HORVÁTH R., KOVÁCS T. & JUHÁSZ P. (2024): Wilson’s bird of paradise (Diphyllodes respublica) data from Batanta (Indonesia: West Papua, Raja Ampat). – Folia historico-naturalia Musei Matraensis, 48: 141–149.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.69595/FoliaNatMatra.2024.48.14