Page 10 - UKZN Foundation AR 2024

The Cape Parrot Working Group at UKZN.
Despite these challenges, the CPWG remains undeterred. Their research efforts help uncover crucial information about the parrot’s behaviour, ecology, and health, guiding conservation actions. Over two decades, the CPWG has prioritised academic research and citizen science programmes, contributing to vital management plans and conservation initiatives.
Their annual Cape Parrot Big Birding Day involves volunteers monitoring forests, estimating the parrot population, and observing their behaviour. In 2015, CPWG’s research led to the reclassification of the Cape Parrot as a distinct species, increasing its conservation priority. Cape Parrot Species Guardians conduct essential work in population monitoring, habitat restoration, nest box provision, species rehabilitation, and community outreach. Their multidisciplinary Cape Parrot and Mistbelt Forest Action Plan guides unified conservation efforts.
This year, the Cape Parrot was also designated as BirdLife South Africa’s Bird of the Year. This recognition shines a spotlight on the importance of conserving this unique species and its role in avitourism, drawing bird enthusiasts to South Africa and supporting rural communities dependent on ecotourism for sustenance.
‘As the Cape Parrot takes its rightful place as Bird of the Year, the CPWG’s work gains even more significance. It reminds us that to save this charismatic bird is to safeguard South Africa’s mistbelt forests and the myriad of life they sustain. Every effort to protect the Cape Parrot is a step towards preserving the biodiversity and ecological balance of these remarkable habitats,’ said Downs.
Woolworths also launched a shopper bag in 2017 to support the conservation of South Africa’s Cape Parrot. This bag raised significant funds through its unique design for BirdLife South
Africa (BirdLife SA) and the Cape Parrot Working Group (CPWG). Now, Woolworths is releasing a second version of the bag with artwork by Athol Moult and Di Botha, continuing its support for CPWG and BirdLife SA.
Proceeds from the sale of each bag, which is part of Woolworths’ Good Business Journey, go towards funding the research and annual Cape Parrot census organised by CPWG. Additionally, Woolworths donates R10 from each bag sale to BirdLife SA to aid in the conservation of the Cape Parrot and its native Afromontane mistbelt forests.
Buy the bag here for R70.
The second version of the shopper bag sold by Woolworths
8 UKZN FOUNDATION ANNUAL REPORT 2024