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FEATURE

THE CAPE PARROT

PROJECT

The Cape Parrot Project, a leading conservation
organisation dedicated to preserving the endangered
Cape Parrot and its natural habitat - Yellowwood

forests – urged corporates across South Africa to
make a meaningful contribution to forest restoration
efforts on Mandela Day.

Cape Parrots
outh Africa’s forests not only provide a refuge for biodiversity but
also play a crucial role in climate regulation, water provision and
Ssoil conservation. However, deforestation, habitat degradation
and illegal logging pose severe threats to these delicate ecosystems.
Without immediate action, the Cape Parrot and its habitat face an
uncertain future.
Habitat loss and degradation of mature Afro-temperate forests, on
which the Cape Parrot depends for roosting, breeding and feeding, is
one of the primary reasons that it is facing extinction.
The Cape Parrot Project has partnered with local communities
in and around Hogsback to create a green economy project that
sources funding and support to build community nurseries. Here,
people receive training and skills development to germinate and
grow indigenous seedlings that are, in turn, purchased by the project
for restoration work. Currently, 50 people are working as growers,
while a further 27 work directly on restoration sites.
To date, over 200 hectares of state forests and some smaller private
areas have been restored, and over 50 000 trees have been planted.
The My Forest Campaign launched recently focuses on forest
restoration initiatives which include tree planting, habitat restoration
and community engagement programmes. This year, they are
focusing on restoring a further 15ha of critical Cape Parrot habitat.
By investing in these projects, companies can actively contribute
Cape Parrots seen in a mist belt forest to the preservation of the Cape Parrot’s habitat, while fostering
sustainable development and environmental resilience in South Africa.
“We call upon companies to demonstrate their commitment to
the environment by considering signing up as a My Forest partner.
Together, we can ensure a thriving future for the Cape Parrot and
restore the ecological balance of our forests,” says Susan Wishart,
project manager of the Cape Parrot Project.
ABOUT THE WILD BIRD TRUST
The Wild Bird Trust was founded in South Africa in 2009 by Dr Rutledge
Boyes with the primary objective of keeping birds safe in the wild
by securing critical habitat for the benefit of ecosystems, wildlife
and people in perpetuity. The initial project was the Cape Parrot
Project, based in Hogsback, where Dr Boyes lived while he undertook
his research on these parrots. Since then, the Wild Bird Trust has
grown to accommodate more projects and in 2014, the Okavango
Wilderness Project was launched. This is a collaboration agreement
with the National Geographic Society. For further information visit
www.wildbirdtrust.com
ABOUT THE CAPE PARROT PROJECT
The Cape Parrot is South Africa’s only endemic parrot, and the species
is endangered due to destruction and degradation of its forest
habitat. The Cape Parrot Project aims to conserve the Cape Parrot
through research and habitat restoration efforts, with community
involvement being viewed as an integral part of our future success.
BirdLife South Africa has named the Cape Parrot “2023 Bird of the
Year” and has created material to raise awareness and increase
knowledge about the Cape Parrot. For more information visit
https://www.wildbirdtrust.com/projects/cape-parrot-project n

Landscape SA • Issue 132 2023 3