Lilian's lovebird  (Agapornis lilianae)

While in many parts of its range, Lilian's lovebird is thought to still be common (2) (6), the total population has been significantly reduced by habitat loss and exploitation. A large section of the Zambezi Valley was recently flooded, destroying suitable habitat for the lovebird, and the construction of the Cahorra Bassa Dam in Mozambique may have had similar impacts (6). Like many other lovebirds, this stunning bird is captured, both legally and illegally, for the local and international cage-bird trade. In addition, the cereal-eating lovebird is considered a pest by farmers, and is persecuted as a result (4) (6).

Lilian's lovebird is listed on Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), meaning that any international trade should be carefully monitored to ensure it is compatible with the species' survival (3). This species has also been recorded from several protected areas, including Mana Pools National Park in Zimbabwe (9), and Liwonde National Park in Malawi (10). However, these areas can still be affected by dam construction and illegal poaching (9) (10), and thus stricter management may be required to prevent any further declines of the beautiful Lilian's lovebird.