The Black-cheeked lovebird: from 'endangered' to 'safe' thanks to Loro Parque Fundación and Versele-Laga
The Black-cheeked Lovebird (Agapornis nigrigenis) is a lively and colourful bird native to Zambia. With a length of about 14 cm and a weight of between 38 g for males and 43 g for females, this species is a true gem among lovebirds. Sadly, the Black-cheeked Lovebird was once on the verge of extinction, but thanks to the dedication of the Loro Parque Fundación (LPF) and its conservation efforts, the species is now listed as 'vulnerable' on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
Features
The forehead and crown are dark rusty brown, while the back and neck are yellow-green. The cheeks and throat are blackish brown, framed by a white eye-ring and a bright red bill. The upper breast is orange-pink, while the rest of the body is green, with the tail sometimes showing subtle orange and black stripes. 
They depend on a reliable water source and drink daily from nearby ponds or rivers.
This species prefers mid-altitude forests, especially in areas where mopane (Colophospermum mopane) and Baikiaea plurijuga trees grow. Threats
Heavy exploitation for the pet tradeGradual destruction of its habitatA shift in agriculture from sorghum and millet to maize, which has affected its food sourcesLoro Parque Fundación is a key player in the efforts to save this species. Its research and conservation projects in Zambia focus on determining the distribution and population size of Black-cheeked Lovebird, identifying the factors limiting their numbers, and monitoring their use of water resources. By using citizen science and ecological modelling, they hope to gather valuable data to develop appropriate conservation strategies.
Conservation and breeding programmes
Loro Parque Fundación plays a crucial role in the conservation of the Black-cheeked Lovebird, with successful breeding programmes ensuring the genetic diversity of the species. By working with local authorities and studying populations, the LPF has gained valuable knowledge to help implement effective conservation measures.
A successful partnership between Prestige Loro Parque and Versele-Laga
Each year, Versele-Laga donates a sum of money to the Loro Parque Foundation, based on the sale of Loro Parque products. These funds are used to support projects aimed at saving endangered species. Want to know more? Visit the Prestige Loro Parque website to find out more about our partnership.
