Mandate of the IUCN SSC Wild Parrot Specialist Group

List of targets for the current (2024-2025) and next (2026-2029) IUCN quadrennium

Establish the group, i.e., governance structures, members, WGs, processes. Establish

links and MoUs with external groups with which the group would work closely.

Build and launch a Wild Parrot SG website of the IUCN SSC that will provide a home

for information about the group’s aims and activities, host outputs from the SG and

signpost useful resources for parrot conservation practitioners and researchers.

Compile new information on parrot species’ population sizes, trends, distributions,

threats and actions to support the update of Red List assessments by the Bird Red List

Authority, BirdLife International.

Provide inputs through the Globally Threatened Bird Forums on proposed Red List

category revisions for parrots, responding to requests from BirdLife International for

contributions on specific proposals, and encouraging inputs from across the parrot

research and conservation community.

Propose additional potential Red List category revisions to the Bird Red List Authority

where new data on parrot species’ population size, trends and distribution suggests that

such a revision may be appropriate.

Develop a list of priority species that would benefit from the development of

multi-stakeholder action plan processes and liaise with CPSG to provide support for

conducting at least 2 species.

Develop a list of priority species threatened by trade.

Review guidelines for inclusion of information on threats from trade into Red Listing

decisions and make recommendations and support improvements to existing processes.●

As necessary, prepare and convene joint positions of the WPSG to ensure

evidence-based policy and decision-making that supports the conservation of parrots.

This may include engaging with and participating in meetings of multilateral agreements

to ensure evidence-based policy.

Develop a “Parrots Threatened by Invasive Species” database including mitigations.

Develop a priorities list, guidelines, and database for climate change threats and

populations.

Initiate the development of “living” best practice guidelines for conservation

intervention in parrots using wildlife rehabilitation and release, translocations, nest

cavity provisioning, supplemental feeding and other interventions.

Develop liaisons with relevant SGs.

Introduction

By assessing conservation concerns for wild species and populations, prioritizing planning

needs, initiating, enabling and facilitating appropriate and inclusive conservation planning

considering all available conservation tools to encourage and support conservation action in the

Assess-Plan-Act cycle at all levels of participation, the Wild Parrot Specialist Group (WPaSG)

provides a cohesive structure to address the many needs of parrots in peril. The need for a

global, diverse and broad taxon-based specialist group has never been more urgent.

Mission statement

The Wild Parrot Specialist Group (WPaSG), united under the umbrella of the International

Union for Conservation of Nature Species Survival Commission (IUCN SSC), is uniquely

situated to detect, monitor and manage, advise and inform decision-makers, funders, scientific

communities and interested members of the public, communities and other stakeholders about

the perils impacting this taxonomic group world-wide.

Aims

The WPaSG complements and supports efforts across other Specialist Groups and supports the

process of evaluating conservation status for the IUCN Red List. The WPaSG brings togetherdiverse expertise aiming to conserving parrots related biodiversity on three levels

(Habitat-diversity, Species-diversity and Genetic-diversity).

Goals of the Wild Parrot Specialist Group

The WPaSG brings together expertise and experience across a range of disciplines and

backgrounds to tackle the most pressing problems facing the parrots in the wild with the goal of

preventing the extinction and deterioration of conservation status of parrots around the world.

We facilitate a coordinated response to the complex and multi-faceted challenges that face

parrots through creating synergy between the various institutions and subject matter experts

working to protect parrot populations in the wild.

The WPaSG subscribes to the One Plan Approach to conservation, defined by the IUCN SSC

Conservation Planning Specialist Group as “the development of management strategies and

conservation actions by all responsible parties for all populations of a species, whether inside or

outside their natural range”. The “Wild” within the title of the WPaSG reflects the focus of the

group on the conservation of parrots in the wild.

The WPaSG acknowledges the feasibility and benefits in using ex-situ and in-situ management

as conservation tools for research, assurance populations and conservation translocations. in

preserving genetic material, holding insurance populations of rare and threatened species, and as

a source of parrots for reintroduction and reinforcements of wild populations.

Key Conservation Issues facing Psittaciformes

Species of Psittaciformes face many urgent challenges threatening their continued existence in

the wild. Conservation of the taxon is complex and multifaceted, and with the wide diversity

represented within the group, multiple threats imperil many species. Assigning a level of risk

and urgency may be predicated by geography and individual species’ response to threats. By

necessity, the Wild Parrot Specialist Group is broad-based and inclusive of a diversity of skills,

experience and specialization. The most pressing needs include conservation measures applied

to the following:

Wildlife Trade

The illegal and unsustainable wildlife trade is a global threat to many parrot species. Entire

species risk extirpation due to poaching, illegal trade, and excessive demand by the pet industry.

Associated harms include mortality and morbidity of birds collected for trade, with associated

welfare impact of the individuals and populations; introduction of pathogens to wild and

populations in human care; risk of introducing invasive species; promulgations of organized

crime networks, violence, expansion of trade via internet and ease of global transport. The threat

is often compounded by laundering of eggs, chicks or adult birds and/or parts via the legal

wildlife trade.

The IUCN SSC WPaSG will develop and support structures to monitor illegal and legal trade

and understand the impact on populations. Efforts will be directed to understand and determine

the most appropriate manner to manage/regulate the trade. Based on existing IUCN guidelines,

parrot specific standards and best practices of handling confiscations to bolster conservation

efforts will be generated, including assessment methods, integrating disease risks, for

translocations to appropriate regions for release back to the wild or into captive care recovery

programs Recommendations for evidence-based policies and interventions will be developed

and/or strengthened.

Invasive Species

Parrots are impacted by invasive species as well as occasionally acting as invasive themselves.

Conservation efforts are threatened by introduced predators and competitors for resources.

Intensive and specialized conservation techniques, including best practices for methods,

assessments and risk analysis will be developed by members of the WPaSG with particular

expertise along with recognition and assessment of potential pandemic/pathogen/parasite

introduction facilitated by invasive species. Particular attention from Wild Parrot SG experts

and potential working groups will examine the impact of invasive species on native parrots in

island systems in collaboration with other Specialist Groups.

Human Incursion / Habitat loss and degradation

Large scale loss of habitat and viable ecosystems along with depletion of biodiversity is an

urgent and immediate threat to parrot populations on a global scale. The many and devastating

results leading to serious conservation impacts include the loss of foraging habitat, agricultural

contaminants and biodegradation, deliberate human persecution, pollution and human

overexploitation, human/wildlife conflict, loss of nesting and roosting sites, and movement of

populations to urban and peri-urban environments. The Wild Parrot SG will encourage

mitigation recommendations that include provision of best practices for reforestation, creation

of protected areas with the local populations, artificial nests, agricultural projects to assist parrot

populations, supplemental feeding/watering, and develop a collection of case studies for

human/wildlife (parrot) conflicts and solutions. Identification, monitoring, management and

protection of intact habitats and threatened intact habitats will be supported. The global scope of

the Wild Parrot SG is a major advantage to address these complex and difficult issues.

Vulnerability to Climate Change

Of increasing urgency, the climate crisis represents major current and future threats to global

parrot populations. The Wild Parrot SG will assess and develop recommendations for evaluation

of immediacy, preparation, and mitigations for the effects of climate change. The Wild Parrot

SG will collate and encourage research to identify priorities and species vulnerability to

climate-related threats, for example the likely impact of extreme weather events, heatwaves,

drought, wildfire, cold snaps, floods; prepare recommendations for the impact of natural

disasters on entire populations/species and mitigation thereof; and develop a database for mass

casualty events related to climate disasters.

Disease and epidemics

Increased trade, human incursion, habitat loss, climate change, natural disasters, and invasive

species increase the threat of disease. The Wild Parrot SG has the expertise to outline immediate

and future threats from potential zoo-epidemics, and to liaise with monitoring organizations for

rapid response. Complex host-pathogen dynamics can affect conservation planning, such as

translocations and repatriation efforts for parrots.

Order Psittaciformes is the Most Appropriate Taxonomic Level to Address Conservation

Issues

Psittaciformes is a unique and identifiable taxon, with circumglobal distribution represented in

most terrestrial key biodiversity regions and facing many common threats with other wildlife.

From a tiny Buff-faced Pygmy Parrot to a Palm Cockatoo, any member of the Order

Psittaciformes is immediately recognizable as a parrot. Some classic threats, especially wildlife

trade, affect species across all geographic regions, and a coordinated taxon-wide approach will

be most inclusive.

Many (close to a third) of Psittaciformes are categorized as threatened (VU, EN, CR and EW)

on the IUCN red-list. All but 4 species are listed on the Appendices of CITES, indicating the

risk posed internationally by trade for pets. Parrots as a group are ‘inherently’ vulnerable to

threats: many species have naturally restricted ranges, where some are single-country/island

endemics; many species of parrots are specialist feeders or nest cavity dependent; parrots are

generally characterized by lower reproductive rates compared to other bird groups due to low

recruitment, long life spans, and high parental investment in reproductive activity.

Parrots are undergoing or have undergone recent taxonomic review, potentially leading to a

larger number of species which need evaluation for the IUCN Red List to facilitate protection of

species under national and international legislation. Incomplete or inaccurate current

assessments (e.g. do not include accurate data on current trade issues), will be reviewed and

revised.

Gaps and Benefits

There are currently no SGs focused on any parrot species and the work of this group does not

duplicate efforts of existing SGs, but instead complement and support efforts across other SGs

such as the IUCN SSC Conservation Planning Specialist Group (CPSG), as well as support the

process of evaluating conservation status for the IUCN Red List. The Wild Parrot SG will bring

together diverse expertise with a common goal: conserving parrots related biodiversity on three

levels (Habitat-diversity, Species-diversity and Genetic-diversity). The evaluation ofconservation status of many parrot species is currently hindered by a lack of quantitative field

data and ways of evaluating the impact of threats and the Wild Parrot SG will act as an

important platform for supporting evidence-based and timely Red Listing decisions. Most

importantly, the Wild Parrot SG will unify the parrot conservation community promoting

cohesion, inclusivity and positive action on a global scale.

Key Activities and Outputs

General activities and outputs include:

• Providing evidence-based recommendations for policy and decision-making concerning

• the protection of wild parrots.

• Providing a point of contact and hub of expertise for all issues affecting wild parrots.

• Promoting access and information exchange among parrot conservationists, practitioners

• and researchers.

• Promoting the creation of species action plans following the Principles and Steps

• methodology of the IUCN SSC Conservation Planning Specialist Group.

• Interactions with other Specialist Groups and other external organizations to fulfill the

• Species Conservation Cycle (Assess-Plan-Act); for instance liaison with the Parrot

• Researcher’s Group and regional Parrot Taxon Advisory Groups and other formal

• breeding programmes that include binding conservation aims and also commitment

• towards the collaborative One Plan Approach.

• Defining and addressing the overexploitation of wild parrot populations, the spread of

• invasive species, and spillover of infectious diseases of concern to wildlife and humans.

• Developing specific actions that the Wild Parrot SG would undertake and report through

• SSC Data.

• Liaison with and supporting work of relevant IUCN SSC SGs including those listed in

• Appendix I.

• Identification and prioritizing trade issues, including taxa, regions and topics.

• Providing updated information and recommendations to support the Red List process

• and aid in future re-assessments of key parrot taxa with particular emphasis on dealing

• with data gaps for highly exploited parrot species.

• Developing positive and constructive engagement with external stakeholders directed

• toward preservation of wild parrot populations, including those whose livelihood

• depends on healthy populations.

• Recognition and incorporation of indigenous and ancestral knowledge and cultural

• significance of wild parrots.

Exploitation and Wildlife Trade

The most important activities for assessing the threat of wildlife trade on parrot conservation are

to support monitoring of the scale and scope of trade (legal and illegal) and advance the

understanding of interaction between the two to inform evidence-based policy change and to

inform conservation action.

• Anticipated outputs and activities include:

• Supporting structures to monitor illegal and legal trade and the impact on populations, e.g., accurate and timely database available.

• Promoting and supporting research into the scale, scope and impacts of exploitation of wild populations to support the development of evidence-based policy and interventions.

• Providing contributions to CITES for reviewing the listing of species.

• Support effective implementation of CITES at national levels.

• Identification, promoting and supporting the highest standards and best practices for the short and long-term management of parrots confiscated from illegal trade.

• Liaison and engagement with external stakeholders in education; raising awareness of the plight of parrots in the wild and the devastating impact of illegal trade; supporting changing behavior to reduce demand on and to promote the conservation of parrots in the wild.

• Collaboration with law enforcement agencies and other relevant stakeholders to improve monitoring and enforcement efforts.

• Supporting the development of alternative livelihood programmes in parrot source countries that will reduce the reliance and threat of poaching for the illegal and unsustainable parrot trade.

• Supporting the development and incorporation of indigenous peoples and local knowledge and cultural significance of wild parrots for SSC.

• Supporting the development of materials using the parrot-perspective analysis o  exploitation and wildlife trade.

Invasive Species

Anticipated outputs and activities include:

• Supporting evidence-based assessments for determining potential invasiveness and in identifying conservation opportunities from the parrot perspective via

• Strategies/best practices for dealing with invasive predators,

• Promoting the consistent use of terminology as applied to non-native taxa.

• Establish a list of potential impact from invasive species that could affect wild parrots

• Recommending mitigation measures for parrot populations affected by invasive species.

• Recommending mitigation measures for parrots (both native and introduced) as invasive species.

• Exploration of and recommending humane techniques for population control in invasive parrots.

• Exploring the value of non-invasive naturalized populations of wild parrots to overall conservation effort

Human Incursion/ Habitat loss and degradation

• Anticipated outputs and activities include:

• Identification and prioritization of parrot taxa and regions most at risk of the threat of habitat loss.

• Identification of the primary drivers of habitat loss and develop recommendations for measures for retention of vital habitat and mitigation of anthropogenic impacts.

• Supporting the development of new protected areas and habitat restoration.●

• Supporting the development, management and policy regarding protected areas and

• important habitats and habitat restoration.

• Convening and supporting responses to emergency situations for immediate action or

• advisory on unforeseen incidents of incursion or human/wildlife conflict involving wild parrots.

• Providing a point of contact and engagement in emergency and urgent conflicts between wild parrots and people including human land use/livelihood and those suffering disunity.

• Providing advice or supporting human land use/livelihood programmes that incorporate parrot conservation into practice (e.g. parrot-friendly crops), and promoting tolerance and peaceful coexistence with recognition of indigenous and ancestral knowledge and cultural significance.

• Supporting the development of materials using the parrot-perspective analysis of human incursion and habitat loss.

Climate Change and Natural Disasters

Anticipated outputs and activities include:

• Supporting and promoting research to assess wild parrot species vulnerability in

• accordance with IUCN guidelines for assessing species vulnerability to climate change, using climate modeling methods.

• Supporting planning, preparation and mitigation recommendations for climate change-related and natural disasters’ impact on wild populations.

• Develop and recommend protocols for managing mass casualties in wild populations.

• Supporting, promoting and developing resilience in wild parrots and their habitats.

• Providing a point of contact in climate emergencies and urgent disasters.●

• Supporting rapid response to emergencies and establishing a rapid-response emergency funding network.

Disease and epidemics

Anticipated outputs and activities include:

• Supporting and promoting research to understand immediate and future threats to wildlife and people from infectious diseases affecting wild parrot populations and vice versa (e.g., wildlife trade).

• Supporting the dissemination of research on infectious diseases involving wild parrots to relevant agencies to facilitate robust decision-making and policy development.

• Supporting development of situation-appropriate Disease Risk Assessments and protocols for the management of parrots confiscated from trade, and conservation translocations.

Building networks and information flow to convene emergency response teams for

immediate action or advisory on unforeseen outbreaks involving wild parrots.

Coordinating and informing the wild parrot perspective with relevant stakeholders to

existing, ongoing and updated One-Health and wildlife disease databases and tracking

platforms.

Raise awareness and mitigate any biosecurity risks regarding zoonotic/epizootic

contagious disease transmission, for example: Chlamydophilosis (Psittacosis) and HPAI.

Support the development of standards, guidelines and veterinary medical toolkits that

will facilitate health/disease management of parrots in the wild or wild parrots under

human care.

Leadership Structure 

2 Co-Chairs: 

Dr. Patricia J. Latas and Jose Antonio Díaz Luque

The Co-chairs of the Wild Parrot Specialist Group: 

1.  Steer the group to accomplish its purpose; 

2. Coordinate with the Program Officer of the Red List authority; 

3. Guide the smooth functioning of discussions with and between the Sub-groups and coordinate functions of the Wild Parrot Specialist Group; 

4. Work for the achievement of the aims of the group;

5. Along with the subgroup leadership, make decisions on the organization of the group and organize the vote for officers; 

6. Supervise the proper functionality and use of all communication means within the Wild Parrot Specialist Group and the extranet where documents and materials may be stored; 

7. Represent the Wild Parrot Specialist Group at external meetings, after consultation with the other leadership; 

8. Agree to directly address individuals with whom conflict or disagreement arises and seek to promote collaborative and compassionate discussion, drawing on the advice of the membership and the leadership; 

9. Record all decisions and outcomes of meetings to be posted for all Wild Parrot Specialist Group members to read, except when there is a need for confidentiality.

10. Along with the other leadership, make decisions on the initiation and formation of Emergency Response Teams. 

11. Approve various working groups and emergency response teams as needed. 

Subgroup Leadership 

Leadership in WPaSG includes Vice-chairs for each geographical group and Coordinators for each thematic group. 

1. Serve as the principal governing body of the WPaSG, making routine decisions and when needed, further reaching decisions after consultation with the WPaSG members; 

2.  Advises and assists the Co-chairs; 

3. Assists the group to accomplish its mission;

4. Works for the achievement of the aims of the group; 

5. Assists the Co-chairs in performing administrative tasks; 

6. Assists the Co-chairs to organize the vote for the officers; 

7. Assists the Co-chairs to directly address individuals with whom conflict or disagreement arises and seek to promote collaborative and compassionate discussion; 

8. Responds to communications within 3-5 days, engages in current issues and needs within the WPaSG, and assists the Co-chairs in making decisions and the daily running of the WPaSG; 

9. Coordinates, facilitates, and monitors Sub-group activities and collaborations;

10. Participates in the selection of new members; 

11. Develops and coordinates various working groups and emergency response teams as needed, self-governing and answerable to the steering team. 

12. Proposes changes to these Guidelines when needed. However, changes that may affect the mission, aims, structure, roles and responsibilities, and elections of the WPaSG must be made in consultation with the WPaSG members. 

Geographical Vice-chairs 

Geographical Vice-chairs will develop a list of priority species to be considered for red-listing. Each subgroup will collect and process information informing the Key Conservation Issues facing the Psittaciformes in their geographical region:

• Africa 

• Asia 

• Australasia/Oceania 

• Neotropical 

1. Have a good working knowledge of parrots in their geographical area of expertise and can actively contribute to the Wild Parrot Specialist Group and collaborations between members; 

2.  Provide technical advice to the Co-chairs and other leadership; 

3.  Be actively informed and contribute to discussions; 

4. Act at all times in the best interest of the Wild Parrot Specialist Group, IUCN, SSC, and parrot research and conservation; 

5.  Agree to directly address individuals with whom conflict or disagreement arises and seek to promote collaborative and compassionate discussion; 

6.  Abide by the guidelines here stipulated. 

Thematic Subgroup Coordinators

Thematic Group Coordinators will develop and will focus on key conservation threats, remedies and recovery and collaborate with geographical subgroups:

• Trade 

• Health and Welfare 

• Research Liaison with Parrot Researchers Group 

• Government Relations/Legislation/Policy 

• Education and Community Engagement 

• Ex-Situ Conservation Liaison 

Core Members 

1. Have a good working knowledge of parrots in their area of expertise and can actively 

2. contribute to the Wild Parrot Specialist Group and collaborations between members; 

3. Provide technical advice to the Co-chairs and leadership; 

4. Be actively informed and contribute to discussions; 

5. Act at all times in the best interest of the Wild Parrot Specialist Group, IUCN, SSC, and parrot research and conservation; 

6. Agree to directly address individuals with whom conflict or disagreement arises and seek to promote collaborative and compassionate discussion; 

7. Abide by the guidelines here stipulated. 

New Memberships are granted by and at the discretion of theCo-Chairs, Vice-chairs and Coordinators given that the applicant will be one of good standing and compliance, following the procedures described below. Membership may be refused, denied or removed to anyone not adhering to the Wild Parrot Specialist Group guidelines. Confidentiality and discretion are required on all topics of discussion.

Elections and replacements 

1. Co-chairs will serve for 3 years, for a total of 2 consecutive terms and then one term off; at which time they may submit their name to serve again. Replacement or removal will occur via SSC consultation as outlined in the Succession Guidelines. 

2. Vice-chairs and Coordinators may serve terms as delineated by the subgroup membership with elections called at the subgroups’ discretion. WPaSG members may nominate themselves or others as candidates to leadership.All positions may serve two consecutive terms and after waiting out an election cycle, may run again for a position; 

3. If there is a resignation at any time, the leadership with consultation of the Co-chairs may appoint “acting” or “interim” members who will serve until the next election. 

Members code of conduct 

1. All members are expected to be respectful to other members and external parties, regardless of personal opinion or experience. We encourage respectful discourse at all times, including comments that may disagree with other members of our group; courtesy toward all participants in all discussions is required. The decision to delete posts from the Wild Parrot Specialist Group on Google lies with the administrators of that Group. Use of explicit language, disinformation, harassment, spamming, flaming or doxxing, posts and comments seeking to insult, elicit harm, spread unsupported or unproven claims or that are considered defamatory or derogatory against the IUCN, SSC, Wild Parrot Specialist Group, other Specialists Groups, its members or any other party will be removed. 

2. The Co-chairs have the right to terminate the membership of any member based on failure to comply with these rules following careful review, and a chance for the member to restore relationships and change behavior. 

Communication 

The Wild Parrot Specialist Group on Google will facilitate conversations via email in a forum-type format. Conversations in this group are private and can be read only by registered members visiting the homepage, or received per e-mail if members prefer. https://groups.google.com/g/wild-parrot-specialist-group/members

General inquiry about the WPaSG may be directed to: wpasg.info@gmail.com