Program: Red-and-blue Lory Conservation
The Red-and-blue Lory (Eos histrio) is native to the Sangihe and Talaud island groups in Indonesia. The Sangihe population is now likely extinct. The remaining birds exist almost exclusively on Karakelang and formerly on Salebabu and Kabaruang in the Talaud Islands.
The last wild population is endangered by habitat loss and overexploitation for the wild bird trade. The inhabitants of the Talauds face significant socio-economic challenges that compel some to turn to parrot trapping as an alternative source of income. Agricultural practices for additional income also pose concerns through the use of pesticides on locusts, which are consumed by Red-and-blue Lories. In addition, there is a limited understanding of threats to the lories' breeding success.
Beginning in 2013, the WPT assisted in the rescue and rehabilitation of Red-and-blue Lories confiscated from the wild bird trade and placed at the Tasikoki Wildlife Rescue and Education Centre in Indonesia. Since then, more have been seized in ongoing efforts to stop their trade. Work will focus on implementing reintroduction programs, community engagement, regulatory enforcement and targeted research into all aspects of trade.
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Find out how the World Parrot Trust is supporting Red-and-blue Lories.
