Birds Guide

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 km² (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