Vini peruviana

Taxonomy

Assessment Information

Geographic Range

Population

Habitat and Ecology

Threats

Conservation Actions

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Taxonomy [top]

Kingdom	Phylum	Class	Order	Family
ANIMALIA	CHORDATA	AVES	PSITTACIFORMES	PSITTACIDAE

Scientific Name:

Vini peruviana

Species Authority:

(Müller, 1776)

Common Name/s:

English	–	Blue Lorikeet, Tahitian Lorikeet, Violet Lorikeet
Spanish	–	Lori Monjita

Assessment Information [top]

Red List Category & Criteria:

Vulnerable B1ab(ii,iv,v) ver 3.1

Year Assessed:

2008

Assessor/s:

BirdLife International

Reviewer/s:

Mahood, S., Butchart, S.

Contributor/s:

Pilgrim, J.

Justification:
This species qualifies as Vulnerable because it has a small and fragmented island distribution and is likely to continue to decline owing to the ongoing depredations of cats and particularly black rats.

History:

2004	–	Vulnerable
2000	–	Vulnerable
1996	–	Vulnerable
1994	–	Vulnerable

Geographic Range [top]

Range Description:	Vini peruviana is widely but unevenly distributed in south-east Polynesia where it has been recorded from c.20 islands, but is now extinct on several of these¹. Its range includes the Society Islands (formerly all), the northern atolls of the Tuamotu Archipelago (both French Polynesia), and Aitutaki (Cook Islands). In the Society Islands, there were possibly up to 250 and 350-400 pairs on Motu One and Manuae respectively in 1973¹, and it has been observed on Maupihaa in 1999, where it was thought to have been extinct (either a rediscovered subpopulation or a recent recolonisation)^7,8. In the Tuamotus, there are relatively recent records (2006 estimates in brackets)¹² from Kaukura (1000), Rangiroa (1000), Arutua (500), Apataki (200), Tikehau (50)^1,3 and Tiamanu Motu in Apataki atoll where a minimum 300 individuals were estimated in 1989 (this subpopulation being allegedly smaller than 10 years previously)³. On Aitutaki, where it was probably introduced, numbers have been estimated at under 500 pairs¹⁰, 2,400 individuals and 1000 individuals¹², the apparent differences may be attributable to differing census techniques⁵.
Countries:	Native: Cook Islands; French Polynesia
Range Map:	Click here to open the map viewer and explore range.

Population [top]

Population Trend:	Decreasing

Population Trend:

Decreasing

Habitat and Ecology [top]

Habitat and Ecology:	It is typically found in lowland forest, mixed stands of native and cultivated trees, flowering plants, coconut, and banana plantations and gardens, where it feeds on nectar, soft fruit and flowers^2,6.
Systems:	Terrestrial

Threats [top]

Major Threat(s):	The species's extinction from many islands is most likely due to predation by black rat Rattus rattus and to a lesser extent, feral cats³; its extinction from Makatea in the Tuamotus could have been accelerated by a particularly violent hurricane⁹. Its range reduction in the Society Islands correlates with the spread of the introduced Swamp Harrier Circus approximans¹. The accidental introduction of black rat to the islands where it persists is a continuing threat to the species.

Major Threat(s):

The species's extinction from many islands is most likely due to predation by black rat Rattus rattus and to a lesser extent, feral cats³; its extinction from Makatea in the Tuamotus could have been accelerated by a particularly violent hurricane⁹. Its range reduction in the Society Islands correlates with the spread of the introduced Swamp Harrier Circus approximans¹. The accidental introduction of black rat to the islands where it persists is a continuing threat to the species.

Conservation Actions [top]

Conservation Actions:	Conservation Actions Underway CITES Appendix II. On Aitutaki, where extensive trapping in 1994 indicated the absence of R. rattus, the species has been surveyed several times including by local high-school students using a simplified technique⁴. Conservation Actions Proposed Conduct surveys to ascertain its continuing presence and numbers on known islands. Continue monitoring the population on Aitutaki⁵. Establish more basic facts about the species's requirements, particularly those relating to feeding plants, in preparation for the re-establishment of populations on other suitable motus³. Undertake an educational programme on Apataki³ and on other islands where strong populations persist. Consider special protection of viable populations³. Prevent the arrival of Rattus rattus on Aitutaki and other important islands¹¹.

Conservation Actions:

Conservation Actions Underway
CITES Appendix II. On Aitutaki, where extensive trapping in 1994 indicated the absence of R. rattus, the species has been surveyed several times including by local high-school students using a simplified technique⁴.

Conservation Actions Proposed
Conduct surveys to ascertain its continuing presence and numbers on known islands. Continue monitoring the population on Aitutaki⁵. Establish more basic facts about the species's requirements, particularly those relating to feeding plants, in preparation for the re-establishment of populations on other suitable motus³. Undertake an educational programme on Apataki³ and on other islands where strong populations persist. Consider special protection of viable populations³. Prevent the arrival of Rattus rattus on Aitutaki and other important islands¹¹.

Citation:	BirdLife International 2008. Vini peruviana. In: IUCN 2011. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2011.2. <www.iucnredlist.org>. Downloaded on 09 February 2012.
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