The conservation of key forests and their threatened birds on Sumba, Indonesia

Tom Evans

In common with many Islands, Sumba and Buru both show high levels of endemisim: there are eight endemic birds species on Sumba and ten on Buru. Knowledge of the birds and the threats to them was, almost wholly lacking as reflected by the team's observation on Sumba of 18 species not previously recorded from the island. Team carried out observations of endemic species and for instance the Red-naped Fruit-dove was seen less than ten occasions. Sumba Hornbill also seem to be dependent on primary forest. These two endemics may be under serious threat if the extent of primary forest continues to decline. Other endemics were seen rarely or not at all. There is a need for more work on these islands and they are both targets of ICBP's long term plans for action in Indonesia.