Do your part to save the Cape parrot

World Parrot Day, celebrated on 31 May, aims to keep these birds safe in the wild by securing critical habitats.

In South Africa, the day is celebrated by the Wild Bird Trust, and is an opportunity to focus on South Africa’s only endemic parrot, the Cape parrot.

The species – named Bird of the Year for 2023 – is in danger of extinction due to destruction and degradation of its forest habitat.

Currently on the critically endangered list, there are less than 2000 left in the wild, largely because of people illegally capturing the bird for the wild bird trade.

These birds depends on large indigenous trees, like large yellowwood trees, for food and nesting grounds.

The Cape Parrot Project is working with communities, organisations, and the public to educate them on how to keep a healthy and safe environment for these parrots.

The team also restores and protects Afromontane indigenous forests.

According to Dr Kirsten Wimberger, Director of the Cape Parrot Project, said: “The restoration of forest campaigns will be launched on World Parrot Day on 31 May, where the public can get involved by helping to protect the Cape parrot and demonstrate their commitment to conservation in South Africa.”

For more information about the Cape Parrot Project, visit: https://www.wildbirdtrust.com/projects/cape-parrot-project

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