Notes for the conservation of the Rufous-fronted Laughingthrush Garrulax rufifrons

The Rufous-fronted Laughingthrush Garrulax rufifrons, endemic to Java, has been recorded from a total of 15 montane sites, 14 in West Java (nominotypical rufifrons) and one in Central Java (subspecies slamatensis). It occupies montane forest generally in the range 1,000–2,000 m, although this may vary with site, and occurs in monospecific parties of birds but also in bird waves, and has or had an association with Javan Green Magpie Cissa thalassina. Breeding appears to be extended through the year, but lack of records in January–February and July– August may reflect real breaks in the cycle. A lack of recent records from bird markets and a recent hike in prices of captive birds supports other concerns that the Javan bird trade may have affected the species, which in the past 20 years appears only to have been observed at Gunung Gede-Pangrango. Surveys of known sites and of several montane forest reserves are needed before a heavy investment in captive breeding is made.