ABOUT

Mitchell’s Lorikeet: Conservation Education

Status:
2023 – current
Mitchell's Lorikeet climbs a branch
Mitchell's Lorikeet © World Parrot Trust
Collaborators/Funders:

Taman Safari Indonesia III, Paradise Park UK, West Bali National Park rangers and staff

View Species Profile

A prime goal of Mitchell’s Lorikeet (Trichoglossus forsteni mitchellii) conservation is to involve local communities and visitors in awareness, education and ecotourism ventures that reduce trapping, a major threat to these birds.  By applying Taman Safari’s conservation approaches and the WPT’s expertise in parrot conservation, the aim is to conserve Bali’s biodiversity and advocate for the well-being of its interconnected communities. Uncovering the intricate relationships between lorikeets and their habitats will nurture an appreciation for the birds. The team will support ecotourism and bird-watching to help preserve biodiversity while boosting the local economy and help establish a robust network of community stewards who champion conservation efforts. Integral to this work is creating comprehensive educational materials with a strong core message that will resonate with local communities.

The program’s core will be dynamic workshops and interactive sessions designed to engage all ages, from school children to community elders. Additionally, the team will evaluate efforts through surveys to assess the participants’ changes in perception about the lorikeets.

 

IUCN/CITES Status: Endangered / Appendix II (As conspecific with Trichoglossus forsteni)

Population: Fewer than 50 individuals.

Range: This lorikeet occurs in Indonesia on Bali, Nusa Penida, and Lombok islands.

Natural history: Mitchell’s Lorikeet is found in lowland and lower montane forests including secondary growth and plantations around forest edges. It feeds mainly on nectar but will consume figs, and insects and can be found around man-made feeding stations. It is found in mixed flocks with other parrots in small noisy groups. Nomadic, as they are dependent on flowering trees. Roosts communally.