Philippine cockatoo  (Cacatua haematuropygia)

Once widespread and fairly common, the Philippine cockatoo has recently undergone a dramatic decline, and is now one of the most threatened birds of the Philippines (7). A combination of trapping for the aviculture trade and widespread deforestation has pushed the Philippine cockatoo towards the edge of extinction, and it is now absent from 98 percent of its former range (2) (7). A 1994 study showed this bird to be present on just eight of the Philippine islands (6). Its remote forest habitat and agile flight are no deterrents for trappers, who know the exact location of many of its nest holes and roosting sites and frequently raid them (7) (8). In addition, the Philippine cockatoo is persecuted for the damage it inflicts on crops (6), and an outbreak of Psittacine beak and feather disease may also be impacting the population (7).

The critically endangered Philippine cockatoo is listed on Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) meaning that trade in this species is only permitted in exceptional circumstances (3), and it is also occurs in a number of protected areas (6). In addition, the Philippine Cockatoo Conservation Program, implemented in 1998, is carrying out a number of measures to ensure the cockatoo's survival. This includes researching the cockatoo's behaviour, breeding habits and potentially threatening diseases; encouraging poachers and hunters to end their unsustainable activities and become wardens, island rangers and guides instead; and a captive breeding program that serves as a safe-guard against this species' extinction (8). With such valuable efforts taking place, hopefully the current perilous situation will soon improve for the handsome Philippine cockatoo.