Save the parrots campaign
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The problem
There are 420 parrot species worldwide, mainly found in tropical and sub-tropical regions, with some in temperate areas. South America and Oceania host the most species (147 and 129 respectively). Parrots are renowned for their intelligence and popularity as pets due to their ability to mimic human voices.
Human activities significantly contribute to the global decline in parrot populations. Intentional targeting through hunting, trapping, and trading poses the greatest threat. Habitat degradation from agricultural practices like smallholder farming, agro-industry, and livestock farming is another major concern. Pollution and natural disasters further disrupt their habitats and food sources. Industrialization and urbanisation lead to habitat loss, particularly in areas like Australia where centuries-old trees, vital for nesting, are logged. Predation by non-native species, such as feral cats and rats on islands, and diseases like Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease (PBFD), also contribute to declines.
Enviromental consequences
Many parrot species are declining, with 235 species showing decreasing populations. South America and South/Southeast Asia are particularly affected, with 91 species declining. Among all species, 8.6% are endangered, 4.8% critically endangered, and 14.5% vulnerable. Sadly, 3.8% have already become extinct, with Sub-Saharan Africa and Caribbean Islands facing significant losses. Twenty parrot species are critically endangered, with three at high risk of extinction, requiring urgent action to halt their pet trade and ensure local protection efforts.
Possible Solutions
- Protect natural habitats for breeding. Avoid harming endangered species through agricultural and industrial activities.
- Restore damaged habitats. Manage vulnerable species in protected areas.
- Control invasive species preying on parrots.
- Use ex-situ conservation like captive breeding in zoos.
- Enforce CITES resolutions.
- Stop hunting and pet trade.
- Improve animal welfare and regulate bird breeding facilities.
- Raise awareness through media, academia, conservation, civil society, and government collaboration to save threatened parrot species.
WSF’s Activities and Initiatives
WSF Friend of the Earth project’s activities are focusing on the following:
- Collaborate with local farmers and agricultural industries to protect nearby threatened parrot species. This includes preventing expansion of farmland into their habitats and promoting Sustainable farming practices to avoid toxic substances like pesticides and herbicides.
- Work with law enforcement and legislators to prevent the killing of endangered parrots as pests.
- Organise seminars to raise local awareness about the importance of parrots in the ecosystem and combat persecution and illegal trading.
- Launch a protection campaign for threatened parrot species on change.org.
Call to action
- Vote for parliament members committed to ecosystem Sustainability, including protecting threatened parrot species, and advocate for relevant legislation.
- Support environmentally friendly manufacturers and choose products certified by Friend of the Earth to safeguard parrots.
- Divest from companies contributing to harm to endangered parrot species.
- Advocate for the establishment of ex-situ conservation and national parks, especially in countries like Latin America and Indonesia with high numbers of declining species.
- Advocate for government and other authorities to fund research on conservation biology, habitat restoration, and parrot pathogenomics.
- Avoid purchasing parrots as pets to discourage illegal trading and exploitation.
