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MEET OUR NATIVE WILDLIFE: SINGAPOREAN PARROT!

The long- tailed parakeet (Psittacula longicauda) is a resident breeder in Singapore. Adults are about 41cm in length. This species has pink cheeks and green overall plumage with red upper mandible, brown lower mandible and a long bluish- purple tail. The pink colouration on the face is more prominent in males than females.

These parakeets can be found in some neighbourhood parks in Singapore. However, they are globally near-threatened. The main reason for their decreasing populations is habitat loss as a result of logging and forest fires.

Parrots are birds of the order Psittaciformes, which includes more than 350 bird species, including parakeets, macaws, cockatiels and cockatoos.

In Singapore, we have eight native species of parrots. Globally, five of these species are threatened. Locally, none of them are found in abundance. Many parrots around the world are facing extinction. In fact, 27 species of parrots have been recorded extinct. Many others, such as the Kakapo – a flightless and nocturnal parrot native to New Zealand, and the blue- throated macaw from Bolivia, are critically endangered.

How can you help? Many parrots are also exploited for tourism. They may be taken from the wild, domesticated and use as photography props. When travelling, do not support animal photography. Instead, get in contact with local conservation groups and see how you can help these beautiful animals.

If you want to meet these amazing birds, visit your local park and listen out for them, and watch them from a respectable distance. Chances are, if you see one, you will see more of them!

Source: https://www.facebook.com/ACRESasia/photos/a.223077136522.136..

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ACRES

ACRES (Animal Concerns Research & Education Society) is a pioneering Singapore-based charity and Institution of Public Character, founded by Singaporeans in 2001 with the aim of promoting animal welfare.

ACRES has six focus areas: Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation, Wildlife Crime Investigation, Zoo Animal Welfare, Humane Education, Community Outreach and Promoting Cruelty-Free Living.

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