South Africa

The Cape Parrot, South Africa’s only endemic parrot, is found in forest patches across the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, and Limpopo. Fewer than 2,000 birds remain in the wild, and their survival is threatened by habitat loss, forest degradation, and a shortage of old Yellowwood trees suitable for nesting. The Wild Bird Trust focuses its conservation work in Hogsback, Eastern Cape, and in Limpopo, where the integrity of these forests is crucial for biodiversity, climate resilience, and the communities that rely on them.

Founded in 2009 by Dr. Steve Boyes, the Cape Parrot Project is the flagship initiative of the Wild Bird Trust. The project works to conserve the endangered Cape Parrot and restore indigenous forests through long-term research, habitat restoration, environmental education, and community-led reforestation initiatives. By combining scientific knowledge with active participation from local communities, the project strengthens both ecosystems and livelihoods, ensuring that conservation delivers tangible benefits for people and wildlife alike.

Community involvement is central to the project’s success. Residents participate in reforestation efforts, biodiversity monitoring, and educational programs that raise awareness about the importance of forest conservation. Partnerships with government agencies, research institutions, and regional organisations help integrate scientific research with practical, on-the-ground action, from habitat management to awareness campaigns that support forest protection.

South Africa also serves as the operational hub for the Wild Bird Trust family, linking science, community engagement, and storytelling to support conservation across Angola, Namibia, and Botswana.