[1][2] Some sources, such as the IUCN, split the nominate subspecies and Z. c. saypani into separate species; in that case, the latter is known by the common name Saipan white-eye.

[4] The remaining subspecies, Z. conspicillatus saypani, endemic to the Northern Mariana Islands, on the islands of Tinian, Saipan and Aguijan, is separated as a full species by some authorities, in which case its common name is Saipan white-eye.

[1] In 2008, Z. c. saypani was also introduced to the uninhabited island of Sarigan as a precaution and by 2016 this new population had rapidly increased to more than 8,000 birds.

[1] The potential introduction of the brown tree snake on Saipan and U.S. military activity on Tinian could result in rapid population declines on these islands, but biosecurity measures to reduce this risk have so far been successful.

[1] If a brown treesnake still manages to enter the islands, a specially trained and equipped response team is deployed to eliminate it, reducing the risk of a new population becoming established.