In Mexico are all parrots threatened with extinction!

Statistically, every parrot in a cage represents four dead birds that die during capture or transportation (see Defenders of Wildlife report, Mexico 2007 & 2012).

The capture and trade of parrots has been banned in Mexico since 2008, but unfortunately the keeping of birds in inadequate captivity has a long tradition in the country. The long-lived and highly intelligent parrots are usually kept in tiny cages without the opportunity to display their natural behavior. In most cases, this leads to early death after a long period of illness and behavioral disorders such as feather plucking, aggression and apathy.

Worldwide, wild parrots are threatened with extinction and are therefore one of the most endangered groups of all bird species (see Parrot Action Plan, published by Snyder et al, 2000).

The situation is particularly critical in the neotropical regions, where almost 31 % of parrotbirds are threatened with extinction (Collar and Juniper 1992, Collar 2000, Lantermann 2012).

The main reasons for the dramatic decline are illegal trade, habitat destruction, climate change and the introduction of new, originally non-native species.