The population has been estimated at 2,500–9,999 mature birds. There was probably a rapid population decline because of habitat loss. New populations have been discovered since 2002 and more forest has been protected, so the decline may have slowed. The species is threatened by forest clearance for timber and agriculture, and illegal hunting. Climate change may also be a threat. Because of its small, declining population and small range, the IUCN has assessed it as a
vulnerable species. In China, the Hainan partridge is a nationally protected species. Of the of suitable habitat, are in nature reserves such as
Hainan Bawangling National Nature Reserve, Jianfengling, Wuzhishan, Diaoluoshan Limushan and Nanweiling. ==References==