Notes on the status of Kuhl's LorikeetVini kuhliiin the Northern Line Islands, Kiribati

Abstract

SummaryKuhl's LorikeetVini kuhliihas a precarious status reflected by its disjunct distribution in the Pacific, with surviving populations in the Northern Line (Kiribati) and Austral Islands (French Polynesia) some 3,000 km apart, possibly as a result of Polynesian trade in red feathers. The species is extinct in the southern Cook Islands. On Rimatara (Austral Islands), where it is believed indigenous, it is still common but the recent introduction of theRattus norvegicusis of concern. In the Northern Line Islands,R. rattusappears to have all but extirpated the lorikeet on Tabuaeran (Fanning Island), but one small population has apparently survived for over 70 years, an explanation for which may guidein situconservation ofVinilorikeets on ship-rat-infested islands elsewhere. The arid and unpredictable climate of Kiritimati (Christmas Island) may preclude the establishment of lorikeets. Only on Teraina (Washington Island), where over 1,000V. kuhliisurvive, are there no confirmed threats and goodin situconservation potential.