Conservation status of the Vini lorikeets
of the Pacific Islands
The Vini genus of lorikeets are among the most threatened bird spcies of the Pacific Islands where they face significant threats from habitat loss and introduced predators, especially black rats. In this project we conducted a series of systematic surveys of two species, the Ultramarine Lorikeet of the Marquesas Islands and the Blue Lorikeet, now primarily found on a handful of islands in the Tuamotu Archipelago in French Polynesia. These surveys included the first comprehensive population estimate of the Critically Endangered Ultramarine Lorikeet now found only on the island of Ua Huka. This work offers crucial insights into the lorikeet's status, informing conservation efforts and is a call to action to protect these stunning species.
Key impacts & project outputs
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Population estimates
First population estimates of the Critically Endangered Ultramarine Lorikeet from systematically conducted surveys in the Marquesas Islands, and important status updates for Blue Lorikeets on islands where they still occur in the Tuamotu Archipelago
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Invasive rat status assessments
Surveys of invasive rat status on islets of the Tuamotu Archipelago and islands in the Marquesas Islands important for informing subsequent management and conservation actions
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Mitigation action assessments
Trial of rat-proof nest boxes for reducing the impacts of nest predation
Publications & media
Conservation status and biology of the Ultramarine lorikeet in the Marquesas Islands, French Polynesia
Bird Conservation International
A peer-reviewed journal article that brings together the first systematic surveys conducted in 2002 and 2006 and subsequent follow-up surveys by Tammy Doukas, to estimate the population status of this Critically Endangered species in French Polynesia.
Authors: Doukas, T & Ziembicki, M.
Status and conservation of the Vini lorikeets of French Polynesia
Report to funders Loro Parque Foundation & CEPA (2006)
This project report reviews the status of all extant Vini lorikeet species in the Pacific Islands, and presents updated survey information for the Blue and Ultramarine Lorikeets, including notes on the status of introduced black rats within each species range.
Authors: Ziembicki, M. & Raust, P.
Drastic decline in the translocated ultramarine lorikeet population on Fatu Hiva, Marquesas Islands, French Polynesia
Re-introduction News (2002)- IUCN Species Survival Commission
A note in IUCN's Re-introduction News bulletin highlighting the dramatic decline of the translocated population of Ultramarine lorikeets on Fatu Iva following the arrival of introduced black rats to the island.
Authors: Ziembicki, M. & Raust, P. & Blainvillain, C.
