THREAT ASSESSMENT of RED-and-BLUE LORY in the KEPULAUAN TALAUD: A Case Study on Illegal Hunting and Habitat Destruction in the Vicinity of Red-And-Blue Lory Conservation Area at PT Pertamina Patra Niaga IT Bitung

Abstract

Threat Assessment of Red-and-blue lory, particularly a case study on illegal hunting and habitat destruction using direct observation methods in the natural habitat of red-and-blue lory, specifically within the red-and-blue lory Conservation Area at PT Pertamina Patra Niaga Integrated Terminal Bitung in Beo District, Kepulauan Talaud Regency, Indonesia. This research aims to determine the factors that influence illegal hunting and habitat destruction, which have an impact on the population size of red-and-blue lories. Observations were conducted for 15 days (2 weeks). The results of this study indicate that red-and-blue lory are targeted for illegal hunting due to the beauty of their feathers and the high demand in the illegal wildlife trade, particularly in the Philippines. This illegal hunting poses a threat to the population of red-and-blue lories and has led to a decline in their numbers in the wild. Additionally, there are local communities involved in illegal hunting activities. Regarding habitat destruction, there were findings of rampant illegal mining that poses a serious threat to the survival of red-and-blue lory. The widespread illegal mining in the Kepulauan Talaud has resulted in the loss of their natural habitat and disrupted their life cycle. Habitat disturbance also threatens the sustainability of the ecosystem and has negative impacts on the water and air quality consumed by red-and- blue Lories.