Kuhl's Lorikeet Project

Endangered island lorikeet on edge of survival

Kuhl's Lorikeet (Vini kuhlii) is listed by IUCN as endangered in the wild. Exploitation for this species' red feathers is the reason for its prehistoric extinction on the Cook Islands. A significant modern threat on other islands is the black rat, Rattus rattus. Trapping for the bird trade has been a problem on other islands.

In 2007, through the generous cooperation of the Rimatara people and the French Polynesia government, and in collaboration with the Cook Islands Natural Heritage Trust, 27 Kuhl's Lorikeets were taken from Rimatara and flown to Atiu where they were released. Staff from the San Diego Zoo and CRES had the honor of helping to collect the birds using mist nets, caring for the birds in quarantine, and evaluating the birds' condition prior to release. Recent reports indicate that flocks of the lorikeets are seen every day and breeding attempts have been observed.

The World Parrot Trust has helped to conserve the Kuhl's Lorikeet through various measures. WPT helped/will help to:

• finance the transfer of the birds through its Action Grants Programme
• support studies regarding the effects of feral Myna bird populations on the Kuhl's Lorikeet in 2010
• fund the population census for 2011

Why we need your help?

Your support is crucial to our efforts to save this species. With your help we have already made a difference in the lives of Kuhl's Lorikeets. Please help us to continue this important work - donate today!

Visit the WPT website to learn more about our efforts to protect this species.