What Are the Different Types of Endangered Parrots?

There are about 330 different types of parrots in the world, and of those, approximately 95 are on the endangered parrots list, although exact statistics vary from country to country. Some, like several different types of macaws, are critically endangered, meaning that they are on the verge of becoming extinct. Others, such as the Cuban Parrot, are not yet endangered, but if their numbers continue to dwindle, they will become so quickly.

There are numerous causes behind the growing trend of endangered parrots, including poaching, loss of land, and sickness. Poaching is one of the top concerns, because although many countries have outlawed importing parrots captured in the wild, poachers still continue to remove the birds from their natural habitat and sell them illegally. Loss of land is another major concern, as cutting down rainforests and jungles or building cities that encroach on parrots territory is causing the birds to lose their homes.

Several different types of macaws — including the Blue-throated, the Glaucous, and the Lear’s Macaw — are critically endangered parrots and on the verge of extinction in the wild. Some bird experts suspect that the Glaucous may already be extinct. Other macaws are on threatened or endangered, but not yet critically so. The brightly colored macaws are among the most commonly poached birds, which accounts for their dwindling numbers. They are also the largest parrots and suffer the most from decreasing habitat space.

The African Gray is also one of the most endangered parrots, although their numbers haven’t reached critical levels yet. Along with the macaw, the African Gray is one of the most popular parrot pets. Their popularity stems from the fact that they are one of the smartest parrots and the best mimickers of human speech. Some African Grays have been known to learn over 900 words, as well as voice prompts on when to appropriately use those words.

Other types of endangered parrots include several types of rare parakeets, the Philippines Cockatoo, and numerous types of South American parrots. It is difficult to determine the true number of endangered parrots because resources do not permit tracking every single bird. Some species on the endangered list may already be gone, while others may be increasing their numbers due to conservation efforts.

Those who want to purchase a pet parrot should go through reputable breeders and buy a bird that was born in captivity. Wild-caught parrots rarely become the affectionate pets that people often hope for when they buy a parrot. Purchasing a wild-caught parrot is not just illegal in many countries; it also encourages further poaching, which puts a large strain on the parrot’s population in the wild.

Parrot species face endangerment primarily due to habitat loss, driven by deforestation for agriculture and urban development. Additionally, the illegal pet trade captures wild parrots, severely impacting their populations. Climate change also alters habitats, making them unsuitable for some parrot species. Conservation efforts are crucial to address these threats and protect these vibrant birds.

The Spix's Macaw is one of the most endangered, having been considered extinct in the wild until recent sightings suggested a small number may still exist. The Kakapo, a flightless parrot from New Zealand, is critically endangered with conservation efforts in place to protect the remaining individuals. Other highly endangered species include the Philippine Cockatoo and the Orange-bellied Parrot.

According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), there are over 400 species of parrots, and about 56 of them are listed as endangered or critically endangered. This highlights the urgent need for conservation measures to prevent further declines in parrot populations worldwide.

Conservation efforts for endangered parrots include habitat protection and restoration, anti-poaching and anti-trafficking measures, captive breeding programs, and reintroduction projects. Organizations like the World Parrot Trust work globally to raise awareness and funds for parrot conservation. Additionally, some countries have enacted laws to protect native parrot species and their habitats.

Captive breeding programs play a vital role in saving endangered parrot species by creating an assurance population to prevent total extinction. These programs also provide individuals that can be reintroduced into the wild to bolster natural populations, as seen with successful efforts for the Echo Parakeet and the Puerto Rican Amazon.

Individuals can contribute to the conservation of endangered parrots by supporting reputable wildlife conservation organizations, adopting sustainable living practices to reduce habitat destruction, and avoiding the purchase of parrots from illegal or unsustainable sources. Educating others about the plight of these birds and advocating for stronger wildlife protection laws also makes a significant impact.