SUMMARY
The blue-fronted lorikeet, a species endemic to Buru Island, Indonesia, has been photographed for only the second time in over 100 years. The first documented sighting and blurry images occurred in 2014. Recent expeditions into previously inaccessible high-elevation montane forests led to the rediscovery of the bird, with conservationists capturing clear photographs and the first sound recordings of its calls. The species, listed as 'data deficient' by the IUCN, was recognized as a lost species in 2024.
TAKEAWAYS
The blue-fronted lorikeet was photographed for only the second time since its 1920 discovery.
The latest images were captured by James Eaton in the high-elevation montane forests of Buru Island, Indonesia.
This expedition also yielded the first sound recordings of the lorikeet's calls.
The species was recognized as a lost bird in 2024 and is listed as 'data deficient' by the IUCN.