Are Senegal Parrots Endangered? (Find Out!)

Last Updated on March 2, 2023 by Ali Shahid

A Senegal parrot is an endemic species of parrot found in Africa. Since most parrot species are critically endangered, you must be wondering: are Senegal parrots endangered?

Well, it is surprising that Senegal parrots are not an endangered species. According to the range size criterion, this species has an exceptionally large distribution and does not meet the criteria for being considered vulnerable.

This species occurs within 20,000 km2, but its range size, habitat quality, population size, and location are declining. The decline of the population is not considered to be sufficiently rapid to qualify as vulnerable.

Under the population size criterion, the size of the population does not approach the threshold of <10,000 mature individuals. These reasons have led to the species being classified as Least Concern.

Senegal Parrot Population Threats and Conservation

Senegal parrots are among the most heavily trapped bird species in the world. Between 1994 and 2003, there was an export of more than 410,000 wild-caught individuals from range states.

Approximately 735,775 birds have been recorded as being traded internationally since 1981. Since this species is being captured in large numbers for the pet trade, CITES performed a significant trade review, and it was classified as “possibly endangered”.

In 1981, CITES listed this species in Appendix 2 as a threatened species, which prohibited the trade, importation, and exportation of wild-caught parrots. In 1992, the Wild Bird Conservation Act prohibited their importation into the United States.

The extensive trapping of this species for the pet trade appears not to have had a significant impact on this species at this time. The reason for this is that no significant decline in national populations has been observed.

Due to its extensive range in Africa, it is difficult to estimate the wild Senegal Parrot population. The species seems to be quite common within its wide range, which suggests that it has a large population.

However, it does not occur frequently in Chad and Burkina Faso, where smaller populations are found. Despite the widespread destruction of closed-canopy forests in West Africa, this species appears to have managed to persist due to its tolerance and ability to adapt.

The species does not appear to be approaching the threshold for the IUCN Red List Vulnerable category. Due to these factors, this species is considered to be of the least concern.

Reference:  

Senegal Parrot on The IUCN Red List site