South Pacific: Battle for the Rimatara Lorikeet
The Rimatara Lorikeet, a vibrant green and red parrot endemic to Rimatara in the Austral Islands (îles Australes) in French Polynesia, holds significant cultural value for local communities and serves as a symbol for the island. Known locally as Ura, referencing its striking red plumage, this unique species has faced significant conservation challenges.
Formerly listed on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, a comprehensive inventory established in 1964 to assess the status of biological species at high risk of global extinction, the Rimatara Lorikeet faced a severe population decline. According to Dr Samuel Ravatua-Smith, between 1992 and 2020, the population of the Rimatara lorikeet declined from 1500 to just 500. A combination of targeted policy initiatives, including habitat protection and targeting of invasive species, combined with localised conservation efforts, has achieved relative population stability.
The translocation of the Rimatara Lorikeet from the native island of Rimatara in French Polynesia to Atiu in the Cook Islands offers insight into conservation strategies across Oceania. Additionally, we are seeking to engage with how local communities who are geographically isolated from technologically advanced conservation practices have managed to increase the population?
A Vibrant Bird, A Fragile Past
The Rimatara Lorikeet is a highly social bird, observed for its small flocks that forage native trees for nectar and tropical fruit. Its distinctive call echoes throughout Rimatara’s forest. Historically, the red feathers of the Rimatara have had ceremonial significance across Polynesia, being used for headdresses and ceremonial capes worn by high-ranking community leaders. The prized feathers represented the status of power and wealth.
In the 1800s, unsustainable hunting practices of Rimatara Lorikeets for their feathers resulted in the species facing extinction. A combination of cultural and economic value of the feathers across local communities pressured parrot populations. Queen Temava V of Rimatara, implemented early conservation practices in 1900 by acknowledging the importance of the Rimatara to Polynesian culture. The conservation practice suggested that the hunting of Rimatara Lorikeets would be a taboo, and would be shamed upon by communities. The historical precedent of implementing local environmental protectionism reflects an awareness of the high degree of endemism and biodiversity across Polynesia.
Paradise under siege: Invasive species and Habitat Loss
Similar to the ecological challenges in Australia, the introduction of invasive species such as the Indian Myna that were perceived for their benefits in pest control. The decision to introduce the Indian Myna bird to protect the farming of coconuts from the coconut stick insect. The artefacts of these pest control management systems have been detrimental across wider Oceania, impacting native food chains and leading to environmental degradation.
The Island of Atiu, home to a secondary population of Rimatara Lorikeets in the Cook Islands is estimated to have an infestation of 12,000 to 13,000 Mynas across an island of 10.4 square miles (26.9 square km). The significance of this is in the original name of the island, Enuamanu which translates to island of birds. The density of the Myna population compared to local bird species intensified competition for food, nesting sites and other essential resources to maintain the population. In combination, the threat of the Myna bird posed a threat to the secondary population of Rimatara Lorikeets. To combat the threat of invasive species, The Cook Island of Avarua introduced the Cook Islands Natural Heritage Trust to eradicate more than half of the myna population across Atiu.
Beyond the threat from the invasive black rat has pressured community and conservation groups to ensure the objective of keeping Rimata rat-free is central to the sustainability of Rimatara Lorikeet species. Similar to the Indian Myna, rats have sought to establish a foothold on the island leading to disruption of food chains through a combination of nest competition and habitat destruction. Local stories of conservation on Rimatara such as Koha the dog and its owner Mooroa provide efforts to combat the invasion of rats. Owner and Conservationist, Mooroa pronounced that Koha the dog “he’s our star” due to the efforts of hunting rats across Rimatara island.
In addition to invasive species, human development has been detrimental to the Rimatara Lorikeet. On Rimatara, there are three small villages that farm the plant, Taro as the primary form of local industry and jobs. Policies by the French Polynesian Government have the objective of building 100 new homes across Rimatara resulting in significant land clearing and deforestation. The implication is population decline and a change in migration patterns of not only the Rimatara Lorikeet but other native species.
Conservation across Borders and Community Efforts
A significant conservation milestone was reached in 2007 with the translocation of 27 Rimatara Lorikeets to Atiu, Cook Islands establishing a crucial secondary population. This initiative has proven remarkably successful, with the Atiu population thriving. However, as noted by veterinarian Caroline Blanvillain, this success raises concerns that Atiu may ultimately become the lorikeet's last refuge, given the disparity in population growth compared to Rimatara. This underscores the importance of continued conservation efforts on the species' native island.
The shared vision and commitment across Pacific Island Countries to conserving endemic species unique to the region is undoubtedly a strong effort. While countries such as Samoa and Fiji are in agreement with the threat posed by invasive species such as the Indian Myna. Atiue has demonstrated success in pest management through localised strategies.
Local community efforts and engagement in raising awareness of the Lorikeet. Educational programs such as Rina Ura have played a crucial role in revealing the history of birds’ historical and cultural significance across Polynesia. These programs highlight the early conservation efforts of Queen Temaeva V, whose 1900 ban on lorikeet hunting demonstrated remarkable foresight and established a powerful precedent for environmental protection. To mitigate the impacts of deforestation and human development, Rina Ura encourages local families to plant native fruit trees, providing a vital food source for the lorikeet and other native species, such as the white-tailed tropicbird. As local school teacher Tehio Perenian eloquently stated, "I was given the responsibility to do something more, to work from the heart. The ‘Ura, this island, it’s our heritage. We need to preserve it. Doing this brings us so much joy." This sentiment reflects the deep connection between the community and the lorikeet's survival.
The positive outcomes of collaborative local conservation practices between French Polynesia and the Cook Islands have been successful in growing the Rimatara Lorikeet population. Queen Temaeva V's legacy in banning the hunting of Rimatara Lorikeets against the cultural and ceremonial significance across the region. Local stories such as Koha the dog and owner Mooroa illustrate the sense of pride in protecting the species that is symbolic of Rimatara. Finally, the Rina Ura and the efforts of scientists Dr Sameul Ravatua-Smith and Caroline Blanvillain will inspire a future generation of potential scientists who have an awareness of the unique rarity of endemic species to Oceanian.
