The Cape parrot Poicephalus robustus is endemic to South Africa, with c. 1,800 individuals patchily distributed across Southern Mistbelt forests in three provinces (Downs et al., 2019, 22nd Annual Parrot Count, cpwg.ukzn.ac.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/CPBBD-report-2019.pdf). A taxonomic review in 2017 led to the Cape parrot being recognized as a distinct species by IUCN (Collar & Fishpool, 2017, Bulletin of the African Bird Club, 24, 156–170). It was subsequently categorized as Vulnerable globally and Endangered nationally (Downs, 2015, Eskom Red Data Book of Birds of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland). Threats to Cape parrots are diverse, including habitat loss and degradation, disease and illegal trade (Downs et al., 2014, Ostrich, 85, 273–875).
A 10-year conservation action plan for the species was first developed in 2002 (Warburton et al., 2002, Cape Parrot Action Plan, academia.edu/2820649/Cape_Parrot_Poicephalus_robustus_Action_Plan). However, given substantial developments in knowledge, threats, and conservation practice, an updated plan was needed. Consequently, local and international stakeholders, in partnership with the IUCN Species Survival Commission Conservation Planning Specialist Group, convened for a 2-day workshop in September 2019. Forty-eight participants took part from 23 academic institutions, governmental departments, parastatal and non-governmental organizations, and private enterprises from within the species’ range. The workshop process was guided by a hybrid Conservation Planning Specialist Group/open standards approach (cmp-openstandards.org).
On the first day, participants reviewed the status of the species, defined conservation aims, identified threats and proposed priority conservation strategies surrounding: (1) species and research, (2) habitat and landscape, (3) community engagement and (4) law enforcement and policy development. On the second day, working groups prioritized and outlined activities needed to achieve each strategy, including the delineation of timeframes, responsible organizations, outputs, and methods to monitor success. Subsequently, an updated action plan was published in March 2020 (Carstens et al., 2020, Cape Parrot and Mistbelt Forest Conservation Action Plan, cpsg.org/sites/cbsg.org/files/documents/Cape%20Parrot%20and%20Mistbelt%20Forest%20Action%20Plan%20202003.pdf), defining the vision, scope, goals and targets to conserve the Cape parrot, and identifying 90 actions needed to achieve this. In recognition of the central role of habitat protection, the plan focuses jointly on the conservation of the species and its associated forests, including the ambitious target of doubling the area of Southern Mistbelt forest under formal protection in 10 years.
With the updated action plan published, and an Action Group formed, stakeholders are working collaboratively towards the vision of a thriving population of Cape parrots acting as a flagship species for the protection and recovery of indigenous forests in South Africa, for the shared benefit of people and nature.
