Perija (Todd's) Parakeet (Pyrrhura caeruleiceps)Adriana Tovar and Luis Eduardo Uruena, researchers of the Colombia-based nonprofit Fundación ProAves, found and photographed the extremely rare Perija parakeet (Pyrrhura caeruleiceps), of which only 30 to 50 individuals likely survive. These photographs are the first ever taken of the species.
Perija (Todd’s) ParakeetDeforestation and wildfires for agriculture and grazing have denuded much of the birds' habitat, conservationists say. The parrot that is distinguished by its bright blue fronted head and white breast may also be threatened by illegal trade in the species.
"As more and more remote areas are being settled, the Perija parakeet reminds us how important it is to conserve as much natural habitat as we can," said Paul Salaman of the American Bird Conservancy.
"Who knows what wonderful biodiversity is being destroyed before it has had a chance to be discovered?"
Perija (Todd’s) Parakeet