Rare Lorikeet Rediscovered in Remote Forest

A rare parrot thought lost for decades has been rediscovered in Indonesia, offering new opportunities to protect one of the world’s least-known bird species.

“The fact that this lorikeet survives in the mountains of Buru and that we can have a chance to help protect it tells us there is hope for species and biodiversity in general,” said John Mittermeier, ornithologist at the American Bird Conservancy and director of the Search for Lost Birds initiative.

The blue-fronted lorikeet, found only on Buru Island, had been recorded just once since it was first described from seven specimens collected in the 1920s. During a 14-day expedition through previously unexplored highland forest, researchers observed at least nine individuals, captured new photographs and made the first known recordings of the species’ calls. Conservationists say the discovery will help guide future protection efforts for the bird and its habitat, while highlighting the value of exploring and safeguarding remote ecosystems where other lost species may still survive.