Mitchell’s Lorikeet
Mitchell’s Lorikeet (Trichoglossus forsteni mitchellii) is a subspecies of the red-breasted lorikeet (Trichoglossus forsteni) found in Bali and Lombok. It stands out with a dark brownish black head marked by soft greenish grey streaks, a bright red breast with minimal barring, a yellow green collar, and a deep purplish black belly. Though relatively small, its bold colors make it easy to recognize.
This lorikeet is a nomadic species, moving from place to place within its range in search of food such as nectar and pollen. One of its most fascinating adaptations is its brush tipped tongue, known as papillate appendage, which helps it absorb nectar efficiently. Its slender, pointed beak is also perfectly suited for scraping the inside of fruits and sipping their sweet nectar.
Highly active and vocal, Mitchell’s Lorikeet produces sharp, rattling calls while flying and loud, high pitched chatter during feeding. It is an arboreal bird that loves climbing and moving swiftly through the forest canopy, using both its feet and beak. This agile behavior is not only for getting around, but also plays an important role in social interaction and territorial displays.
Nature’s Interdependence
Mitchell’s Lorikeet play a vital role in Indonesia’s native forest ecosystems. This small bird helps maintain nature’s balance by acting as:
- A natural forest pollinator: as it feeds on nectar and pollen, Mitchell’s Lorikeet moves from flower to flower. In the process, pollen sticks to its body and is carried to other plants, supporting cross pollination that is essential for plant reproduction.
- A seed disperser: in addition to nectar, this lorikeet also eats fruit. The seeds from these fruits are later spread through its droppings, helping new plants grow and supporting forest regeneration and plant diversity.
Population and Threats
Mitchell’s Lorikeet is classified as a critically endangered species, with fewer than 50 individuals believed to remain in the wild. In Bali, the bird was once rarely seen and was even thought to be extinct. However, recent surveys have recorded a small number of individuals still surviving in forested areas, offering a glimmer of hope that the species has not completely disappeared from the wild. The drastic decline has been caused by illegal wildlife trade, as its attractive plumage makes it highly sought after as a pet bird. Habitat change and destruction are also contributing to the decline of this species in the wild. Given its small population size, low genetic diversity, and ecological disturbance (such as wildfires or disease outbreaks) can have a major impact on the species’s survival. This makes population recovery even more difficult.
Returning the Species to the Wild
Taman Safari Bali, in collaboration with the World Parrot Trust and Paradise Park, is working to return Mitchell’s Lorikeet to its natural habitat while helping protect Bali’s biodiversity. This conservation program goes beyond saving a single species and it also engages local communities and visitors by introducing them to this rare bird, raising awareness, and providing education to help reduce illegal hunting and capture, which remain the greatest threats to Mitchell’s Lorikeet. Through dedicated conservation efforts, Taman Safari Bali is actively increasing the lorikeet’s population as a concrete step toward securing its future in the wild.
Taman Safari Bali has successfully carried out similar reintroduction efforts before, most notably with the Bali Starling. In 2002, only six individuals remained in the wild due to poaching and habitat loss. Taman Safari Bali has played an active role in releasing the Bali Starling into its natural habitat at Bali Barat National Park. And in 2019, 40 Bali Starlings were reintroduced at Taman Safari Bali, bringing real hope for the future of Bali’s endemic wildlife.