Lilian's Lovebird
Conservation status Near threatened |
|
Scientific classification |
Kingdom: |
Animalia
|
Phylum: |
Chordata
|
Class: |
Aves
|
Order: |
Psittaciformes
|
Family: |
Psittacidae
|
Genus: |
Agapornis
|
Species: |
A. lilianae
|
|
Binomial name |
Agapornis lilianae
(Selby,
1836) |
The Lilian's Lovebird also know as Nyasa
Lovebird (Agapornis lilianae) is rare and endemic
to
Malawi. Nyasa species is one of the least studied of all
lovebird species. There have not been any previous
ecological and field studies of this species but there is a
new Research Project conducted by Research Centre for Parrot
Conservation (University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa). This study represents a very important
step towards defining Nyasa Lovebird ecology and
conservation.
The Nyasa Lovebird currently inhabits
Liwonde National Park (LNP) and a few cluster groups
occur in the surrounding forests outside LNP. Its
distribution is rapidly becoming restricted to LNP because
their feeding and breeding habitats are being exploited over
for agricultural purposes. The extent of habitat loss
outside LNP has not been determined scientifically although
remaining habitat outside the LNP are fragmented Miombo
Forest Reserves. Liwonde National Park is located in the
southern region of Malawi, which has the highest human
population density in the country approximating 100-115
inhabitants per km˛ (FAO, 1997). LNP is greatly impacted by
population growth and agricultural activities than any other
national park in the country. Recently, cases of Nyasa
Lovebird poisoning have intensified although it is not known
why poachers are poisoning the birds. Nyasa Lovebird
Researchers assume poachers mean to poison larger mammals
and Lovebirds fall victims.
Nyasa Lovebirds have proved to be a difficult species to
rear in captivity. Many breeders worldwide struggle to breed
the species.
References
- BirdLife International (2004).
Agapornis lilianae. 2006
IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN 2006. Retrieved on 11 May 2006. Database entry
includes a brief justification of why this species is
near threatened