"Critically Endangered: The Malayan Crestless Fireback's Battle Against Extinction"

The Male  Malayan Crestless Fireback's  Image source

*Heri Tarmizi

The species is now classified as Critically Endangered by the IUCN, with an estimated population reduction of over 80% in the past three generations (BirdLife International, 2024).

Introduction

The Malayan Crestless Fireback (Lophura erythrophthalma) is a rare and critically endangered pheasant species endemic to the tropical lowland rainforests of Peninsular Malaysia and Sumatra, Indonesia. Characterized by its striking sexual dimorphism, the species is notable for its vivid plumage and distinct calls. This essay delves into the biology, ecology, conservation status, and threats faced by the Malayan Crestless Fireback, supported by recent research and data.

Identification and Morphology

The Malayan Crestless Fireback exhibits pronounced sexual dimorphism. Males are adorned with fine vermiculations on their wings, a deep orange "fireback," and a purple rump, complemented by pale orange tails. They possess bright red facial skin and a cocked, vertically-flattened tail. Females, in contrast, are dark blue all over and lack the distinctive fireback coloration. The species is distinguished by its relatively high-pitched "chick!" followed by a low "takrow"  (BirdLife International, 2024).

Distribution and Habitat

Historically, the Malayan Crestless Fireback was found throughout Peninsular Malaysia and Sumatra. However, its range has significantly diminished due to habitat loss and hunting. Currently, it is primarily recorded in Riau, Sumatra, with sporadic sightings in other regions. The species is a lowland specialist, inhabiting primary and well-regenerated, closed canopy, evergreen plains-level forests below 300 meters. It is particularly associated with peat swamp forests and karst forests, environments that provide the dense undergrowth necessary for its survival (Johnsgard, 1999).

Distribution Of Malayan Crestlees Firebacks's Map

Population and Conservation Status

The population of the Malayan Crestless Fireback has undergone a dramatic decline. In 2000, the population was estimated to be between 10,000 and 19,999 mature individuals. However, recent estimates suggest that this number has significantly decreased due to extensive habitat loss and hunting pressures. The species is now classified as Critically Endangered by the IUCN, with an estimated population reduction of over 80% in the past three generations (BirdLife International, 2024).

Threats

The primary threats to the Malayan Crestless Fireback are habitat loss, degradation, and fragmentation. Large-scale clearance for oil palm, rubber, and timber plantations has led to the destruction of vast areas of lowland forest. Commercial logging, even within protected areas, further exacerbates habitat loss. Fragmentation of remaining forest patches increases accessibility for hunters, posing an additional threat. Hunting, both for subsistence and the illegal wildlife trade, has significantly impacted the population, even within protected areas like national parks (Symes et al., 2018).

Ecology and Behavior

The Malayan Crestless Fireback is exceedingly shy, typically moving in pairs or small groups. It forages on the forest floor, feeding on a diet of seeds, fruits, and small invertebrates. The species shows some tolerance for selective logging, although its precise ecological requirements and interactions with congeners like Lophura ignita remain poorly understood. Breeding occurs from March to September in Peninsular Malaysia, with nests typically built on the ground in dense undergrowth (Wells, 1999).

Conservation Actions

Several conservation actions are underway to protect the Malayan Crestless Fireback. It occurs in protected areas such as national parks and wildlife reserves in Malaysia. However, these areas are not immune to illegal logging and hunting. Conservation efforts must focus on strengthening legal protections, conducting extensive field surveys to establish current distribution and population status, and promoting the careful management of captive stocks. Developing support mechanisms for key Important Bird Areas (IBAs) and advocating for the establishment of Forest Management Units in regions like Sabah are also critical. Captive breeding programs, while currently facing challenges due to diminishing genetic diversity, remain a potential avenue for species recovery (BirdLife International, 2024; del Hoyo et al., 2022).

Conclusion

The Malayan Crestless Fireback is a striking example of the impact of human activities on biodiversity. Habitat loss, fragmentation, and hunting have pushed this species to the brink of extinction. Urgent and sustained conservation efforts are required to prevent the loss of this unique pheasant. By protecting its remaining habitats, enforcing legal protections, and promoting sustainable land-use practices, we can hope to secure a future for the Malayan Crestless Fireback.

Bibliography

1. BirdLife International. (2024). Species factsheet: Malay Crestless Fireback Lophura erythrophthalma. Retrieved from [BirdLife International].

2. del Hoyo, J., McGowan, P. J. K., Kirwan, G. M., Collar, N., & Christie, D. A. (2022). Malayan Crestless Fireback (Lophura erythrophthalma), version 1.0. In Birds of the World (N. D. Sly, Ed.). Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Link

3. Eaton, J. A., van Balen, B., Brickle, N. W., & Rheindt, F. E. (2016). Birds of the Indonesian Archipelago: Greater Sundas and Wallacea. Lynx Edicions.

4. Johnsgard, P. A. (1999). The Pheasants of the World: Biology and Natural History. Smithsonian Institution Press.

5. Wells, D. R. (1999). The Birds of the Thai-Malay Peninsula: Vol. 1. Non-passerines. Academic Press.

6. Savini, T., Gale, G. A., & Sukumal, N. (2021). Habitat fragmentation and its effects on the bird communities of tropical rainforests. Global Ecology and Conservation, 24, e01223.

7. Symes, W. S., Rao, M., Mascia, M. B., & Carrasco, L. R. (2018). Why do we lose tropical forest birds? Insights from long-term research in Central Kalimantan, Indonesia. Biological Conservation, 221, 170-177.