Entries in Amazona l. caymanensis - Grand Cayman Parrot (5)
Parrots, farmers at war again
Cayman parrot facing extinction
The Cayman parrot is facing a combination of threats which an international expert says could see the bird extinct within forty years if action is not taken to preserve the habitat the parrots need. Frank Rivera-Milán from the US Fish and Wildlife Service has been counting parrots in the Cayman Islands since Hurricane Ivan in 2004. During a presentation of his work here over the last eight years, Rivera-Milán issued a stark warning about the national birds and the threats they face which could in the face of another catastrophic event see them disappear.
Parrots receive helping hand
The Cayman Parrot, the national bird of the Cayman Islands, received a helping hand from Cayman Wildlife Rescue during Earth Week. The organisation hosted ‘Playtime for Parrots’ on Saturday,25 April.
The programme was designed to educate children on the plight of the Cayman Parrot and how protecting the environment will also protect the Cayman Parrot. After watching the presentation ‘Are you as Green as a Cayman Parrot?’ youngsters were enlightened on the link between Cayman’s forests and the Cayman Parrot and how this National Symbol depends on green spaces for food and nesting. After the presentation the children constructed toys for rescued Cayman Parrots.
Cayman Wildlife Rescue is tasked with the rehabilitation and release of injured, sick and orphaned wildlife; species such as the Cayman Parrot are brought in each year for care. This low–flying species is at risk for being hit by oncoming traffic and each year several are brought in for injuries from cars.
According to Alison Corbett, project manager, the programme has proven quite successful.