1023: For lovebirds everywhere

Lilian’s Lovebird Agapornis lilianae is a near-threatened species occurring in central southern Africa (Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Tanzania and Malawi). The species lives in large flocks in and around Mopane woodlands. Large numbers of people live around Liwonde National Park in Malawi, resulting in considerable poaching pressure for the wildlife there. Unfortunately, hunters are poisoning pools of water in the park during the dry season when water is scarce killing doves, lovebirds and other wildlife that comes to drink at these pools. Not much is known about this species of lovebird, so this conservation project is a significant new step towards defining its ecology and helping to quantify the threats resulting from hunting. Working with local communities and hunters, it will provide long-term protection for both this charismatic species and its Mopane woodland habitat.