Though locally common in some areas, it has been listed as a species vulnerable to extinction.

Its decline has been caused by habitat destruction and hybridisation with the closely related Chinese or light-vented bulbul.

The species has already become extinct in Yilan County (Taiwan).

The latter name is also used to refer to a subspecies of the light-vented bulbul.

Hybrids are intermediate between the two species, with the moustachial stripe and white feathers around the eye, but the white feathers extend behind the crown.