Parrots Are Cute. And Illegal to Keep

Infected Mauritius parakeet - courtesy of Dr Jim GroombridgeA University of Kent-led team of scientists has gained new insight into a rare virus that is threatening to wipe out the Mauritius parakeet -- one of the world's most endangered species of parrot.The Mauritius parakeet was saved from the brink of extinction 30 years ago, thanks to the work of an international team of conservationists, including scientists from Kent. Now an outbreak of deadly Beak and Feather Disease is once again raising the spectre of extinction.
The Conservation Council wants our forests protected because they contain critical food resources for black cockatoo species. Photo: PerthNow THE Environment Minister has rejected a call from the state's peak conservation group to protect threatened species of cockatoos by halting logging in the South-West.