The Red and Blue Lory Eos histrio, currently considered in the IUCN Red List as Endangered, a designation that demands a reassessment. Mounting evidence strongly suggests the species should be uplifted to Vulnerable status. The primary driver of this change is the catastrophic decline of wild populations due to relentless illegal trapping and trade. These activities have decimated the wild populations across its range, primarily driven by demand in the pet trade. While specific details about the degree of decline are crucial for a formal reassessment, the pervasive and ongoing nature of illegal exploitation points unequivocally towards a significant and potentially drastic reduction in population size, justifying a category uplist to reflect the elevated and immediate threat it faces.
The latest major confiscation recorded was back in September 2023 by the Forestry office in North Sulawesi (BKSDA SULUT ) when 72 birds where being smuggled outside their range. This number might sound rather low but considering the small remaining population limited to one island Krakelong this is a large and an important number.
Conservation Status Report: Sampiri (Red-and-blue Lory, Eos histrio) Population in Karakelang, North Sulawesi (2024)
Prepared by: Billy G. Lolowang (Tasikoki Wildlife Rescue Center), Michael Wangko (Sampiri Information Center), Christianto Pisu (Sampiri Information Center), R. Robbi Januari (Tasikoki Wildlife Rescue Center)
Date: April 2024
1. Species Overview
Common Name: Sampiri / Red-and-blue Lory
Scientific Name: Eos histrio
IUCN Red List Status: Endangered (2016)
Distribution: Endemic to the Talaud Islands, primarily Karakelang Island, North Sulawesi, Indonesia.
2. Population Assessment
Recent field surveys conducted in 2024 estimate the current population of Eos histrio on Karakelang Island to be between 2,394 and 8,369 individuals. This represents a significant decline when compared to the 1999 population estimate of 8,230 to 21,400 individuals.
This decline indicates a population reduction of approximately 60–70% over the past 25 years.
3. Habitat-Specific Density
Survey results show population density varies between habitat types:
Primary Forest: 3.07–11.34 individuals/km²
Secondary Forest: 2.2–7.0 individuals/km²
Despite primary forests supporting higher densities, both habitat types have experienced an estimated decline in density of 20–40% compared to historical data.
Q1. Do you agree with the minimum and maximum population estimates given (10,000–19,999 mature individuals)?
NO.
Recent field studies (Sept–Dec 2024) show the total number of mature individuals is between 2,394 and 8,369, significantly lower than the IUCN’s proposed estimate. These figures are based on direct visual counts across both primary and secondary forest using standard VCP methodology and analysis in DISTANCE. They represent mature individuals only, not total population. Therefore, the current proposed estimate is inflated and not supported by the latest field evidence.
Q2. Do you have any information regarding the ongoing trade/hunting of the species?
YES.
Trade remains an active and significant threat. A total of 258 Red-and-blue Lories have been confiscated and received by official facilities In North Sulawesi, including 93 birds in 2023 alone and continued seizures in 2024. These recent spikes confirm that illegal trade is ongoing, contradicting the assumption that pressure has subsided. Trade-driven decline must continue to be factored into the assessment.
Q3. Do you agree that the rate of population decline is unlikely to meet the thresholds for Endangered?
NO
Our Sept–Dec 2024 studies show a 20–40% decline over the past 25 years, with density reductions in both primary and secondary forest, combined with fragmented distribution and concentration in limited areas. Only three areas recorded large flocks, and 33% of observation points had no sightings at all. These trends demonstrate continuing decline and justify maintaining the species as Endangered under Criterion C2a(i), as:
No subpopulation is estimated to contain over 1,000 mature individuals
Decline is ongoing
Habitat fragmentation and human disturbance persist
The Red and Blue Lory Eos histrio, currently considered in the IUCN Red List as Endangered, a designation that demands a reassessment. Mounting evidence strongly suggests the species should be uplifted to Vulnerable status. The primary driver of this change is the catastrophic decline of wild populations due to relentless illegal trapping and trade. These activities have decimated the wild populations across its range, primarily driven by demand in the pet trade. While specific details about the degree of decline are crucial for a formal reassessment, the pervasive and ongoing nature of illegal exploitation points unequivocally towards a significant and potentially drastic reduction in population size, justifying a category uplist to reflect the elevated and immediate threat it faces.
The latest major confiscation recorded was back in September 2023 by the Forestry office in North Sulawesi (BKSDA SULUT ) when 72 birds where being smuggled outside their range. This number might sound rather low but considering the small remaining population limited to one island Krakelong this is a large and an important number.
Conservation Status Report: Sampiri (Red-and-blue Lory, Eos histrio) Population in Karakelang, North Sulawesi (2024)
Prepared by: Billy G. Lolowang (Tasikoki Wildlife Rescue Center), Michael Wangko (Sampiri Information Center), Christianto Pisu (Sampiri Information Center), R. Robbi Januari (Tasikoki Wildlife Rescue Center)
Date: April 2024
1. Species Overview
Common Name: Sampiri / Red-and-blue Lory
Scientific Name: Eos histrio
IUCN Red List Status: Endangered (2016)
Distribution: Endemic to the Talaud Islands, primarily Karakelang Island, North Sulawesi, Indonesia.
2. Population Assessment
Recent field surveys conducted in 2024 estimate the current population of Eos histrio on Karakelang Island to be between 2,394 and 8,369 individuals. This represents a significant decline when compared to the 1999 population estimate of 8,230 to 21,400 individuals.
This decline indicates a population reduction of approximately 60–70% over the past 25 years.
3. Habitat-Specific Density
Survey results show population density varies between habitat types:
Primary Forest: 3.07–11.34 individuals/km²
Secondary Forest: 2.2–7.0 individuals/km²
Despite primary forests supporting higher densities, both habitat types have experienced an estimated decline in density of 20–40% compared to historical data.
Q1. Do you agree with the minimum and maximum population estimates given (10,000–19,999 mature individuals)?
NO.
Recent field studies (Sept–Dec 2024) show the total number of mature individuals is between 2,394 and 8,369, significantly lower than the IUCN’s proposed estimate. These figures are based on direct visual counts across both primary and secondary forest using standard VCP methodology and analysis in DISTANCE. They represent mature individuals only, not total population. Therefore, the current proposed estimate is inflated and not supported by the latest field evidence.
Q2. Do you have any information regarding the ongoing trade/hunting of the species?
YES.
Trade remains an active and significant threat. A total of 258 Red-and-blue Lories have been confiscated and received by official facilities In North Sulawesi, including 93 birds in 2023 alone and continued seizures in 2024. These recent spikes confirm that illegal trade is ongoing, contradicting the assumption that pressure has subsided. Trade-driven decline must continue to be factored into the assessment.
Q3. Do you agree that the rate of population decline is unlikely to meet the thresholds for Endangered?
NO
Our Sept–Dec 2024 studies show a 20–40% decline over the past 25 years, with density reductions in both primary and secondary forest, combined with fragmented distribution and concentration in limited areas. Only three areas recorded large flocks, and 33% of observation points had no sightings at all. These trends demonstrate continuing decline and justify maintaining the species as Endangered under Criterion C2a(i), as:
No subpopulation is estimated to contain over 1,000 mature individuals
Decline is ongoing
Habitat fragmentation and human disturbance persist