Conservation and Research

South Africa’s Cape parrots recognised as a separate species

Parrot Blogger: Rowan Martin, PhD | Jun 16, 2017

The taxonomy of one of South Africa’s most iconic birds, the ‘Green and Gold’ Cape Parrot, appears finally to be settled, with various national, regional, and international bodies reaching consensus that they should be considered a distinct species. 

'Cape parrots', which will be known as ...

Endangered African parrots seized from illegal trade

Parrot Blogger: Rowan Martin, PhD | Feb 16, 2017

Last month two seizures of wild Timneh parrots in illegal trade were made in Liberia and taken to a purpose-built facility at Libassa Wildlife Sanctuary. The birds have responded well to emergency medical treatment and are already showing signs of recovery after their stressful ordeal, according to...

Ban on trade in wild Grey parrots comes into effect

Parrot Blogger: Rowan Martin, PhD | Jan 03, 2017

2017 starts on a positive note for parrots as the transfer of Grey parrots to Appendix I of CITES comes into effect. This new listing, which was voted on by the international community in October last year, brings about an end to all international trade in wild-sourced Grey parrots (Psittacus...

Declines in Grey and Timneh parrots prompt listing as Endangered

Parrot Blogger: Rowan Martin, PhD | Dec 21, 2016

On December 8th Grey and Timneh parrots were uplisted to Endangered, the second highest level of threat on the IUCN Red-list of threatened species. This change in their categorisation follows their uplisting to Appendix I of CITES in October and reflects growing concerns over the impact of trade...