Justification This species qualifies as Critically Endangered because the lack of recent records, despite considerable survey effort, suggests it has a tiny population which is presumably continuing to decline as a result of predation from introduced rats and loss of habitat.

Family/Sub-family Psittacidae

Species name author (Ramsay, 1875)

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

Identification 18 cm. Green lorikeet with fluttering flight. Entirely green but for red cheeks, throat and thighs. Red throat bordered with yellow. Mustard-yellow undertail and tail tips. Sexes similar, immature birds duller. Similar spp. Easily confused with Collared Lory Phigys solitarius which is considerably larger and has black cap and red on the back. Voice High-pitched squeaks uttered whilst feeding or in flight. Hints Search any flowering tree in remote forest areas, such as Mt Tomaniivi on Viti Levu.

Population estimate

Population trend

Range estimate (breeding/resident)

Country endemic?

<50

decreasing

16,600 km²

Yes

Range & population Charmosyna amabilis occurs on the islands of Viti Levu, Vanua Levu, Taveuni and Ovalau, Fiji. It has always been regarded as a rare species although 10 specimens were collected during a one-month visit in 1925⁶. It appears to be patchily distributed, with observations becoming scarcer within the last few years³. The last record by observers familiar with this species was in 1993, but one sighting at Mt Tomaniivi (=Mt Victoria) on Viti Levu in 2001 is supported by detailed field notes¹⁰. Nearly all recent records on Viti Levu have been in the Mt Tomaniivi area⁶, but two birds were seen in the Nausori Highlands in 1998¹. However, a recent survey on Viti Levu in 2001-2002 searched for the lorikeet in the central highlands, where it has been seen most frequently since the 1970s. During 49 days in the field no birds were seen or calls heard⁸. There are unconfirmed records from the 1980s and 1990s from lowland areas of Ovalau, upland Tavenui and from the Natewa peninsula on Vanua Levu⁶. However, a second series of surveys in 2003 also failed to find any birds, suggesting marked declines have occurred⁹. Given the failure of further surveys to detect this species, it appears to be extremely rare, and its total population may number less than 50 birds¹¹.

Important Bird Areas Click here to view map showing IBAs where species is recorded and triggers any of the IBA criteria.

Ecology: It is found in mature forests and may be reliant on old-growth forest above 500 m ⁸. However, its altitudinal restriction on Viti Levu and Vanua Levu is probably artificial, reflecting the absence of 'good' forest, except at higher elevations^7,8. On Ovalau, it has been observed in mangroves³. It is usually found in small flocks high in the canopy feeding on nectar and pollen from flowering trees, and is probably nomadic in search of this food supply^2,5. Its breeding ecology is unknown⁵.

Threats Lowland and hill forest is slowly being cleared in much of Fiji. However, the rarity and assumed decline of this species is probably largely the result of predation by introduced mammals, especially black rat Rattus rattus, as is the case with the closely-related New Caledonian Lorikeet C. diadema which could be extinct owing to predation by rats. Ongoing increases in logging and the road network, especially around the high-altitude areas of Monasavu and Serua in Viti Levu, are likely to be increasing rat density^6,11. Agricultural expansion is encroaching on primary forest in Taveuni.

Conservation measures underway CITES Appendix II. It is protected under Fijian law. On Viti Levu, it occurs within the Tomaniivi Nature Reserve, but this is not large enough to maintain a resident population and, although the establishment of the proposed Wabu extension would make a reserve of appropriate size, it would not provide any better protection against rats if the reserve remains unmanaged⁷. On Taveuni, the combination of the Ravilevu Nature Reserve and the Bouma National Heritage Park provides an area of adequate size for its conservation but the lorikeet remains very rare⁷. Two management plans have been prepared for the species and discussions on their implementation are ongoing. A survey took place in September 2007, although the results are not yet known.

Conservation measures proposed On Viti Levu, repeat forest surveys around Tomaniivi and assess threats, in particular the degree to which rats have contributed to its decline and what threat they currently pose to remaining populations^4,11. If rats are identified as a major threat to a tiny remnant population considerations should be made for establishing a 'safe' population either in captivity or an appropriate rat-free island. Develop local expertise in survey methodology to enable monitoring⁴. Identify further suitable areas for the conservation of this species⁴. Survey other islands, notably montane Taveuni¹¹. Conduct surveys between the peak vunga and drala flowering season, between August and October^8,11.

References 1. G. Allport in litt. (2000). 2. Clunie (1984). 3. J. S. Kretzschmar in litt. (2000). 4. SPREP (2000). 5. Watling (1982). 6. Watling (2000). 7. D. Watling in litt. (2000). 8. Swinnerton and Maljkovic (2002). 9. G. Dutson in litt. (2003). 10. P. Hayman in litt. (2004). 11. G. Dutson in litt. (2005).

Text account compilers Phil Benstead (BirdLife International), Jeremy Bird (BirdLife International), Stuart Butchart (BirdLife International), Andrew O'Brien (BirdLife International), Mark O'Brien (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds), Sue Shutes (BirdLife International), Alison Stattersfield (BirdLife International), Andy Symes (BirdLife International), Helen Temple (BirdLife International)

Contributors Gary Allport (BirdLife International), Guy Dutson (Birds Australia), P. Hayman, Jörg S. Kretzschmar (Gesellschaft für Technische Zusammenarbeit (GTZ)), Vilikesa Masibalavu (BirdLife International Fiji Programme), Dick Watling (Environment Consultants Fiji)

IUCN Red List evaluators Jeremy Bird (BirdLife International), Stuart Butchart (BirdLife International), Andy Symes (BirdLife International)

Recommended citation BirdLife International (2009) Species factsheet: Charmosyna amabilis. 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.

To provide new information to update this factsheet or to correct any errors, please email BirdLife

To contribute to discussions on the evaluation of the IUCN Red List status of Globally Threatened Birds, please visit BirdLife's Globally Threatened Bird Forums