IUCN Red List changes: a mixed picture for parrots

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has published the 2025 Red List assessment of the world’s birds, with three parrot species being uplisted (moved to a more threatened category), and three downlisted (reflecting fewer or no threats). They are: Red-eared Parakeet (Least Concern to Near Threatened), Alexandrine Parakeet (NT to LC), Red-and-blue Lory (remains Endangered), Yellow and Green Lorikeet (LC to NT), Black Parrot (LC to Vulnerable), Blue-winged Macaw (NT to LC) and Palm Lorikeet (VU to LC). Four of these changes resulted from updated or new information (“non-genuine changes”), while two have shifted status due to trends in numbers in the wild (worsening threats or conversely, successful conservation efforts).

Among the conservation concerns highlighted by the new assessments are the Black Parrot, found only in Madagascar, which has been uplisted to Vulnerable from Least Concern. Recent research has shown numbers in the wild are declining as a result of capture for food, the wild bird trade and forest loss. Other parrots in Madagascar are likely facing the same threats and are due to be re-evaluated.

The World Parrot Trust supports the evaluation of Red List assessments through providing up to date information from its field programmes, helping to ensure assessments are based on the best available information.