File:Kuhl's lorikeet (Vini kuhlii) - 53305541949.jpg

English: The Rimatara Lorikeet, native to Rimatara, a small 8-square-kilometer island in French Polynesia, exists only there and on a few other Pacific islands. It has been reintroduced to a few islands in Kiribati and the Cook Islands. Classified as endangered by the IUCN, this species is the focus of various protection programs on Rimatara, with a strong focus on biosecurity and habitat restoration. A key biosecurity measure involves preventing the arrival of black rats at the quay and airport, using a dedicated rat detection dog.

On Rimatara, the Rima'Ura association, established in 2014, leads conservation efforts for the Kuhl's Lorikeet. They carry out reforestation programs to restore nesting sites and ensure sufficient food sources for the lorikeets. Additionally, Samuel Ravatua-Smith leads a nest monitoring program using cameras, which enhances our understanding of the lorikeet's ecology and supports future protection efforts.

The primary threat to the Kuhl's Lorikeet is human activity. Habitat modification for housing or agriculture, particularly ginger and potato crops that require flattening land, poses significant risks. Moreover, the cutting down of century-old trees for canoe making further reduces nesting habitats. To address these threats, initiatives include planting trees and installing signs to protect active nests.

These comprehensive conservation actions are essential for preserving the Kuhl's Lorikeet, a species emblematic not only of Rimatara but also of French Polynesia overall !

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