Extinct Animal : Imperial Parrot

Always considered scarce, the imperial parrot is now an endangered species, and is found only in the mountain rainforest of Dominica in the Leeward Islands. Logging destroyed much of the bird’s habitat, and hunting for food and sport, although unlawful, reduced the population until, by 1992, only 80 to 120 remained.

A hurricane in 1979 caused tremendous destruction of the rainforest, especially in the newly established national park, and brought about a total ban on hunting. Of great importance to their survival will be effective law enforcement, public education, and protection of the remaining rain forest. Captive specimens have never bred successfully.