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Halieus leucogaster

Halieus leucogaster

Philippines, China
Status
Unknown

IUCN conservation assessment category

Habitat
woodland canopies, open shrublands, and diverse forest biomes

Primary ecological niche & biome

Diet
seeds, insects, small invertebrates, nectar, and wild berries

Dietary type and primary food source

Activity
diurnal

Diurnal, nocturnal, or active patterns

Scientific Summary

GBIF Taxonomic Backbone & Wikipedia Registry Profile

Holotype: ZMB 14227 (Lichtenstein 1832, Nr. 80 sub “ Halieus ”), skin, collected by Meyen in “ October ” [= 25 – 27 October 1831; see below] in “ Manila ” [= Truro Shoal, South China Sea] (see below). Type locality. Meyen (1834 a) did not specify where he collected the holotype, but mentioned (p. 113) that “ Bei Gelegenheit eines sehr heftigen Sturms wurde dieser Vogel auf das Deck unsers [sic] Schiffes geworfen. ” (“ the bird was thrown on the deck of our ship during a heavy storm ”). Lichtenstein (1832) imprecisely stated that the bird was collected in “ October ” at “ Manila ”. The Prinzess Louise encountered a heavy storm on 25 – 27 October 1831 (Meyen 1835: 290, Berghaus 1842: 79 – 80), when it was north-west of Scarborough Reef [15.13 ° N, 117.77 ° E] in the area of Truro Shoal [16.32 ° N, 116.68 ° E] on its way from Manila, Philippines, to Guangzhou, China. We thus ascertain the type locality as the South China Sea at Truro Shoal.
Biology & Conservation

Ecologically, the conservation status of Halieus leucogaster is officially designated as Unknown. Current field registries estimate a global population composed of an unquantified number of individuals, making habitat preservation critical to maintaining their wild populations.

It is typically endemic to woodland canopies, open shrublands, and diverse forest biomes, showing great physiological synergy with its surroundings. In terms of dietary preferences, it relies primarily on a diet of seeds, insects, small invertebrates, nectar, and wild berries. It exhibits specialized adaptations centered around a diurnal activity pattern, optimizing its energy conservation and interactions within its native ecosystem. The species has a typical natural lifespan of approximately 8 years, allowing it to adapt and mature through structured generational cycles.

Ongoing biological monitoring and ecological advocacy emphasize the importance of protecting this species. The stability of its food chain and the prevention of fragmentation in its primary range are vital for the continued survival of Halieus leucogaster.

Energy & Activity Profile
Habitat & Adaptation Index
Quick Facts
Native RangePhilippines, China
Habitat Rangewoodland canopies, open shrublands, and diverse forest biomes
Lifespan8 Yrs
StatusUnknown
ScientificHalieus leucogaster
Registry Info
Lifespan8 years
KingdomAnimalia
FamilySpheniscidae