Why Are Parrot Species in Decline?

Highly intelligent and sociable, parrots are arguably the most popular pet birds. They're among the most threatened bird species, however, because of the dangers they face from deforestation and the pet trade. Of more than 350 species, 111 are at risk of extinction.

The challenge for conservationists is to change people’s perception of parrots as singing pets that mimic words. These wild birds could become extinct if we keep caging them and if we don’t preserve their habitats. Read about parrots in the June issue of National Geographic magazine.