Rare Parrot Photographed For The first Tme

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

clipped from www.cityparrots.org Adriana Tovar and Luis Eduardo Urue�a, researchers of the Colombia-based nonprofit Fundaci�n 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. Deforestation 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. “Who knows what wonderful biodiversity is being destroyed before it has had a chance to be discovered?”