Lost Parrot Spotted in Remote Mountain Forest
A rare Indonesian parrot, seen only once in nearly a century, has been rediscovered in a remote mountain forest on Buru island.
The Blue-fronted Lorikeet was spotted in April during a difficult birding expedition on Mount Kapalatmada, the island’s highest peak. The bird had remained one of Indonesia’s most mysterious species for decades.
The small parrot is found only on Buru. This makes it an endemic species with major conservation value.
The expedition team photographed the bird for the first time in 12 years. They also recorded its high-pitched calls for the first time. These calls are believed to help the birds stay connected while moving through the forest canopy.
The bird was identified through its bright green body, orange bill, blue hindcrown and pointed tail.
Expedition Faced Harsh Terrain and Extreme Conditions
The search was not easy. The team crossed sharp limestone, steep cliffs, rough boulders, river torrents and insect-filled forest. The area had almost no trails and very limited water access.
Experts said the highland forest remained difficult to explore for years. This may explain why the bird stayed hidden for so long.
The Blue-fronted Lorikeet was first described from seven specimens collected in the 1920s. After that, it disappeared from scientific records for nearly 90 years.
It was photographed once in 2014. Since then, researchers had only hoped that the species had survived in higher mountain areas.
That hope has now become reality. The team reported seeing at least nine lorikeets during the expedition.
Discovery Brings New Hope for Conservation
The Blue-fronted Lorikeet had been listed as Data Deficient by the IUCN Red List. It was also recognised in 2024 as a lost species by the Search for Lost Birds initiative.
Conservationists say the rediscovery is an important first step. More research is now needed to estimate the bird’s population and identify possible threats.
The sighting has also brought attention to the hidden biodiversity of Indonesia’s mountain forests.
Experts believe many rare species may still survive in places that are difficult for humans to reach. The return of the Blue-fronted Lorikeet shows that nature can still surprise the world.
For birders and conservation groups, the discovery is a moment of joy. It proves that some species feared lost may still be waiting in remote forests.
The small green parrot has now become a symbol of survival, patience and the urgent need to protect wild habitats before it is too late.
