Fiji National Trust
The Red-throated Lorikeet (Charmosyna amabilis) is IUCN Critically Endangered in the wild due to predation by introduced mammals, and logging and road clearance.
In 2001, the World Parrot Trust funded a population survey to determine the status of the Red-throated Lorikeet. Working closely with the National Trust for Fiji, the WPT sent a researcher to carry out a preliminary survey. She reported back that a search for the Red-throated Lorikeet would be a priority, a six-month project that was completed. A subsequent survey in 2003 also failed to find any birds. In 2010, there were plans to include local communities in the Tomaniivi IBA, where people have reported seeing the birds occasionally, in the effort to locate the last known birds. It was also not sighted during continuing surveys in the highlands of Viti Levu (Monasavu/Nadarivatu) and Sovi Basin (V. Masibalavu in litt. 2012).
Status: IUCN Critically Endangered / CITES Appendix II.
Population: Fewer than 50 individuals, decreasing.
Threats: This species has a restricted range. The only confirmed records since the 19th century have been from Viti Levu, where small flocks of up to six birds have been recorded. It is threatened by non-native predators, especially Black rats, and logging.
Range: Recorded from Viti Levu, Ovalau, Vanua Levu and Taveuni (Fiji Islands group).
Natural history: These lorikeets are thought to live in mature upland rainforest to 1000 m (3280 ft) high up in the forest canopy and therefore are difficult to spot. They have been observed feeding on nectar, pollen and fruit. Their breeding season has not been recorded.
