Friday, August 6, 1999 Published at 08:04 GMT 09:04 UK
Quarter of parrot species on brink
New Zealand's kakapo: Conservationists are giving the birds hormone treatment to improve their fertility
By Environment Correspondent Alex Kirby
One parrot species in four is in danger of extinction, according to a study by two nature groups.
They are launching a parrot action plan to help conserve the 89 species at risk, and want recovery teams set up for each individual species.
Four die for every sale
The groups say the two main threats to the birds are habitat loss and the pet trade.
They say the global trade in parrots is a significant part of the $5bn-a-year international wildlife trade, with 58 parrot species facing extinction as a direct result.
For every bird that survives the trauma of being caught and sold, they estimate at least four more will die before finding a buyer.
A report prepared by the two groups says governments must take firm action to:
The two campaigns are enlisting the help of the Monty Python star John Cleese, who featured in the famous "dead parrot" comedy sketch.
"So, please, think carefully before you bring a pet parrot into your home."
Among the most endangered parrots is the Spix's macaw, with just one lone male still known to be in the wild in Brazil. In Bolivia, the hyacinth macaw, one of the largest parrots, numbers about 3,000 birds.
Two companies, Shell and Enron, say they are about to start building a gas pipeline through the birds' last remaining forest stronghold. The flightless New Zealand kakapo is extinct in the wild, with only 54 left in semi-captivity.
They are being given hormone treatment to improve their fertility in the hope that they will breed their way back to health.