Page 9 - KZN Business Sense - Hantie Plomp

UKZN’S CAPE PARROT WORKING GROUP

SAVING A SPECIES AND THEIR FOREST HABITAT

Melissa Mungroo hearts and minds. They also vital management plans and efforts. artwork by Athol Moult and Di
promote the captive breeding conservation initiatives. “As the Cape Parrot takes its Botha, continuing its support
outh Africa’s Cape Parrot is programme, serving as a safety In 2015, CPWG’s research led rightful place as Bird of the Year, for CPWG and BirdLife SA.
more than just a colourful net for this endangered species. to the reclassification of the the CPWG’s work gains even Proceeds from the sale of
Sbird; it is a symbol of Previously abundant in their Cape Parrot as a distinct species, more significance. It reminds us each bag, which is part of
the precious biodiversity forest homes, Cape Parrots increasing its conservation that to save this charismatic bird Woolworths’ Good Business
hidden within the nation’s faced a steep decline because priority. Their annual Cape is to safeguard South Africa’s Journey, go towards funding
Afromontane or Southern of a combination of factors. Parrot Big Birding Day involves mistbelt forests and the myriad research and the annual Cape
Mistbelt forests. With its vibrant Historical logging activities, volunteers monitoring forests, of life they sustain. Every effort Parrot census organised by
green plumage, striking red- particularly the felling of estimating the parrot population to protect the Cape Parrot is the CPWG. Additionally,
orange patches, and distinctive, mature yellowwood trees, took numbers, and observing their a step towards conserving the Woolworths donates R10 from
beautiful calls, the Cape Parrot a toll on the quality of their behaviours. biodiversity and ecological each bag sale to BirdLife SA
has earned its nickname as the habitat. These parrots rely on balance of these remarkable to aid in the conservation
“jewel of the forest”. However, these trees for both food and The CPWG in collaboration habitats,” said Downs. of the Cape Parrot and the
this jewel is at risk, with under nesting. Modern challenges with BirdLife South Africa Afromontane mistbelt forests.
2 000 individuals remaining persist, such as cattle grazing and the Wild Bird Trust’s Woolworths launched a
in the wild. It is for this reason and the removal of saplings, Cape Parrot Project, aimed shopper bag in 2017 to support Buy the bag here for R70,
that the Cape Parrot Working which further degrade the to amplify awareness about the conservation of the shop at BirdLife SA for the Bird
Group (CPWG) at the University forests, while the illegal trade in this iconic species throughout Cape Parrot. This bag raised of the Year merchandise or
of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) is Cape Parrots for the pet market 2023 with the Bird of the Year significant funds through its see below for how to directly
working diligently to ensure threatens their wild populations. initiative. This recognition unique design for BirdLife donate to the CPWG. 
the survival of this charismatic Additionally, a more recent shined a spotlight on the South Africa and the Cape
species and their forest habitat. concern is the Psittacine Beak importance of conserving this Parrot Working Group (CPWG). T: +27 (0)31 260 2389
The CPWG is a dedicated and Feather Disease, which unique species and its forest Recently Woolworths released a E-mail: foundation@ukzn.ac.za
second version of the bag with
habitats. In addition, their role
W: www.foundation.ukzn.ac.za
team of researchers and weakens the birds’ immune in avitourism is highlighted,
conservationists, led by systems and causes mortality, drawing bird enthusiasts to
Professor Colleen Downs, especially among young parrots South Africa, and supporting
and assisted by the UKZN in times of extreme stress such rural communities dependent
Foundation, which as drought. on ecotourism for their
facilitates vital funding The CPWG research livelihoods.
for their endeavours. The efforts help uncover crucial
CPWG advocates for robust information about the parrot’s Cape Parrot Species
enforcement of conservation behaviour, ecology, health, as Guardians conduct essential
laws, particularly to combat well as research on the forest work in population monitoring,
poaching and illegal trade. habitat, which is guiding forest research, habitat
Moreover, the group is fervent conservation action. For restoration, nest box provision,
about raising awareness at local, over two decades, the CPWG species rehabilitation, and
national, and international has prioritised academic community outreach. Their
levels, ensuring that the Cape research and citizen science multidisciplinary Cape Parrot
Parrot and its forest habitats programmes, contributing to and Mistbelt Forest Action Plan
remain a focal point in people’s guides unified conservation

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