Combining local knowledge and field surveys to determine status and threats to Timneh Parrots Psittacus timneh in Guinea-Bissau

Timneh Parrots (Psittacus timneh), classified as 'Endangered' on the IUCN Red List, face rapid population declines due to habitat loss and trapping for the pet trade. A study in Guinea-Bissau revealed that these parrots are found on 22 of the 32 islands in the Bijagós archipelago, with the highest densities on remote islands far from human settlements. The research combined local knowledge from 42 interviews and field surveys across 19 islands, identifying 69 parrot groups, mostly concentrated on two islands (João Vieira and Meio). Interviewees reported declines in recent decades, suggesting that human activities are key drivers of population loss. This study highlights the critical need for targeted conservation efforts to protect these threatened birds.

LOPES, D. C., MARTIN, R. O., HENRIQUES, M., MONTEIRO, H., CARDOSO, P., TCHANTCHALAM, Q., PIRES, A. J., REGALLA, A., & CATRY, P. (2018). Combining local knowledge and field surveys to determine status and threats to Timneh Parrots Psittacus timneh in Guinea-Bissau. Bird Conservation International, 29(03), 400–412. https://doi.org/10.1017/s0959270918000321