The ultramarine lory (Vini ultramarina) is spectacular-looking lory and, sadly, the most endangered lory in its natural habitat on the Marquesas Islands of Nuku Hiva, Ua Pu and Ua Huka. In fact, it is now one of the 50 rarest birds in the world with an estimated population of only 1000-2499. The greatest threats to their continued existence are rats and cats that were introduced into their natural habitat; avian malaria and loss of habitat (land conversion for agriculture as well as wildfires).
They occur at elevations above 700m (2296 ft), but are also seen on banana, coconut and mango plantations along the coastal areas. |
