Scarlet-breasted Lorikeet

This colourful bird was once lumped in the widespread rainbow lorikeet complex, where lorikeets from various islands in Indonesia had slight variations in appearance but were all treated as the same species.

Today, the differences are enough for the scarlet-breasted lorikeet to be regarded as a separate species, with four subspecies recognised, found only in Bali, Lombok and nearby islands.

This restricted-range lorikeet makes its home mainly in lowland forests. Due to severe exploitation for the wild bird trade, coupled with forest clearing to create cashew and corn plantations, the species is nearly extinct in parts of its range.

There are just 500 to 1,500 wild mature individuals remaining. Proposed conservation actions include surveys to identify and protect important sites and awareness campaigns to stem its illegal trade.