Justification
This species is classified as Vulnerable on the basis of an estimated small population which is inferred to be declining through habitat loss and, to a lesser extent, hunting.

Threats
Lowland forest is being extensively degraded by logging and for cattle-ranching, and a significant area of mid-montane forest has been cleared for cultivation, including kava Piper methysticum, for domestic and export markets⁴. As one of the largest edible birds on Vanuatu , it is a favoured hunting target for hill villagers¹. However, its montane haunts and wary nature serve to lessen the impact of this threat.

Conservation
It is protected by law and may be hunted only between 1 April and 30 June.

Targets
*Survey other islands within its range. *Survey Santo to ascertain its distribution and abundance. *Determine habitat and altitudinal requirements. *Determine tolerance of logged forest. *Assess hunting levels and population trends based on discussions with local hunters. *Advocate creation of forest reserves on each major island. *Investigate hunting control measures through community discussion and awareness programmes.