The Cape Parrot Project has 10,000 hopes to root for this year thanks to their official tree planting target that will help South Africa’s only endemic parrot ( a green and gold beauty) as well as the environment!
South Africa (20 February 2024) — The Cape Parrot Project has announced 10,000 hopes well-worth rooting for in 2024. Setting the standard for their tree planting initiative almost as high as the Hyperion tree grows to be, the conservation organisation shares that while the goal is grand, its impact will be imperative.
If you haven’t met the Cape Parrot Project before, the conservation champions part of the Wild Bird Trust’s initiatives have since 2009 (and thanks to Dr Steve Boyes) been champions to the Cape Parrot—South Africa’s only endemic parrot.
In their time doing good for the birds, they have planted 62 725 trees, restored 229 hectares of forest land (where invasive species are managed), established 3 community nurseries that support the livelihood of many and reached over 3500 people through outreach efforts all whilst raising awareness around the Cape Parrot and the beautiful but endangered birds’ chances at survival.
If you couldn’t tell that the Cape Parrot is proudly South African, the obvious clue lies in its aesthetic. This bird is a green and gold belter! As for the species’ home, they reside in the forests of the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and Limpopo—making trees quite essential. A favourite in the birder’s community, the Cape Parrot was also named the Bird of the Year in 2023 by Birdlife South Africa.
So, where do the trees come in? Trees mean life, homes, healthy habitats and functioning ecosystems. 10,000 of them mean very good news for the Cape Parrot, but also good news for the trees, new environments and surrounding communities.
It takes a village to plant 10,000 trees, but with enough people rooting for the effort, it’s also doable. You can learn more and support the 2024 tree target here!
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