Black sicklebill  (Epimachus fastuosus)

The main threat facing the black sicklebill is hunting for the spectacular tail feathers and as a food resource (2). As shotguns become more available in the area and the price of the skins increases, hunting pressure has intensified. Most hunters target only male individuals, as their plumage is more spectacular than that of females. It seems that the species is able to survive in areas where males are removed, but there have been no studies into the effects of hunting on breeding success (2). The persistence of the species in these areas may be the result of immigration of young males following the removal of breeding adults, but further study is required (5). The forests inhabited by this sicklebill are threatened by clearance for agriculture, a problem that is likely to worsen as the human population continues to increase. Unfortunately, this species is unable to survive in secondary re-growth forests (2).

Although the black sicklebill is protected by law in Indonesia and Papua New Guinea, hunting continues in these areas (5). Enforced hunting bans have been put into force at Crater Mountain and Ok Tedi; populations increased at Crater Mountain as a result (2). There is an urgent need for research into this species. The full range of the bird must be surveyed and population sizes need to be established. Hunting levels need to be monitored; furthermore, awareness programmes should be initiated and large forest reserves should be set up in which hunting bans operate, in order to provide a safe-haven for this beleaguered species (2).