Africa's Rarest Parrot Filmed Mating for the First Time

The Cape parrot carry the dubious title of Africa’s rarest parrot and this is the first-ever video of a couple mating. The Cape parrot relies on yellowwoods for food and nesting cavities, and its South Africa's national tree. Hogsback State Forest is a haven for yellowwoods but the widespread logging of these trees has had dire consequences for South Africa’s only native parrot.

It’s good that these parrots are mating, as they carry the burden of species survival on their wings. A 2017 survey counted 1,500 Cape parrots. Scientists are lobbying to protect more indigenous yellowwood trees to create a sanctuary for the parrots.