Justification This species qualifies as Vulnerable because it has a small and fragmented island distribution and is likely to continue to decline owing to the ongoing depredations of cats and particularly black rats.

Family/Sub-family Psittacidae

Species name author (Müller, 1776)

Taxonomic source(s) Sibley and Monroe (1990, 1993)

Identification 18 cm. Chunky lorikeet mostly very dark blue (often looks black) with white cheeks and bib. Red bill, eyes and feet. Voice Very high-pitched hissing screech scheee-scheee, usually doubled.

Population estimate

Population trend

Range estimate (breeding/resident)

Country endemic?

2,500-9,999

decreasing

1,700 km²

No

Range & population Vini peruviana is widely but unevenly distributed in south-east Polynesia where it has been recorded from c.20 islands, but is now extinct on several of these¹. Its range includes the Society Islands (formerly all), the northern atolls of the Tuamotu Archipelago (both French Polynesia), and Aitutaki (Cook Islands). In the Society Islands, there were possibly up to 250 and 350-400 pairs on Motu One and Manuae respectively in 1973¹, and it has been observed on Maupihaa in 1999, where it was thought to have been extinct (either a rediscovered subpopulation or a recent recolonisation)^7,8. In the Tuamotus, there are relatively recent records (2006 estimates in brackets)¹² from Kaukura (1000), Rangiroa (1000), Arutua (500), Apataki (200), Tikehau (50)^1,3 and Tiamanu Motu in Apataki atoll where a minimum 300 individuals were estimated in 1989 (this subpopulation being allegedly smaller than 10 years previously)³. On Aitutaki, where it was probably introduced, numbers have been estimated at under 500 pairs¹⁰, 2,400 individuals and 1000 individuals¹², the apparent differences may be attributable to differing census techniques⁵.

Ecology: It is typically found in lowland forest, mixed stands of native and cultivated trees, flowering plants, coconut, and banana plantations and gardens, where it feeds on nectar, soft fruit and flowers^2,6.

Threats The species's extinction from many islands is most likely due to predation by black rat Rattus rattus and to a lesser extent, feral cats³; its extinction from Makatea in the Tuamotus could have been accelerated by a particularly violent hurricane⁹. Its range reduction in the Society Islands correlates with the spread of the introduced Swamp Harrier Circus approximans¹. The accidental introduction of black rat to the islands where it persists is a continuing threat to the species.

Conservation measures underway CITES Appendix II. On Aitutaki, where extensive trapping in 1994 indicated the absence of R. rattus, the species has been surveyed several times including by local high-school students using a simplified technique⁴.

Conservation measures proposed Conduct surveys to ascertain its continuing presence and numbers on known islands. Continue monitoring the population on Aitutaki⁵. Establish more basic facts about the species's requirements, particularly those relating to feeding plants, in preparation for the re-establishment of populations on other suitable motus³. Undertake an educational programme on Apataki³ and on other islands where strong populations persist. Consider special protection of viable populations³. Prevent the arrival of Rattus rattus on Aitutaki and other important islands¹¹.

References 1. Holyoak and Thibault (1984). 2. Collar (1997). 3. Lovegrove et al. (1989). 4. McCormack (1997). 5. G. McCormack verbally (1999). 6. Pratt et al. (1987). 7. Te Manu (1999) 27: 1. 8. Te Manu (1999) 28: 3. 9. Thibault and Guyot (1987). 10. Wilson (1993). 11. J. Pilgrim in litt. (2002). 12. Raust and Ziembicki (2006)

Text account compilers James Hardcastle, Matt Harding (BirdLife International), Andrew O'Brien (BirdLife International), Sue Shutes (BirdLife International), Alison Stattersfield (BirdLife International)

Contributors John Pilgrim (BirdLife International)

IUCN Red List evaluators Stuart Butchart (BirdLife International), Simon Mahood (BirdLife International)

Recommended citation BirdLife International (2009) Species factsheet: Vini peruviana. Downloaded from http://www.birdlife.org on 10/2/2010

This information is based upon, and updates, the information published in BirdLife International (2000) Threatened birds of the world. Barcelona and Cambridge, UK: Lynx Edicions and BirdLife International, BirdLife International (2004) Threatened birds of the world 2004 CD-ROM and BirdLife International (2008) Threatened birds of the world 2008 CD-ROM. These sources provide the information for species accounts for the birds on the IUCN Red List.

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