The Golden Conure in danger
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It is ironic that in the country named after the Brazilian Hardwood tree (Caesalpinia echimatta), that the species nearly went extinct before measures were taken for its rescue. If current trends continue, such a hapless fate could befall another Brazilian species, the beautiful Golden Conure (Guaruba guarouba). With its yellow and green markings, the country's national colors, this popular parrot's habitat is being ravaged in a region currently weathering the bulk of Amazon rainforest destruction.
Accentuating the bird's plight is its rapacious trapping by smugglers who feed the illicit market demand this species still creates. This parrot's future in the wild is at best precarious; it will require courageous and innovative conservation efforts to ensure that at least some bands are able to continue to live and prosper in their natural habitat.
