BLACK CHEEKED LOVEBIRD
DID YOU KNOW?
Black Cheeked Lovebirds mate for life!
The Black Cheeked Lovebird is one of nine lovebird parrot species, and is native only to Zambia. Once they choose their mates, they can stay together for as long as 15 years. Upon the death of a mate, they have been known to “pine” for their lost ones through display of noticeably erratic behaviour.
AN INSPIRATION TO VALENTINE’S DAY
Along with all the other lovebirds, they are widely regarded as a symbol of love. It is believed that the lovebirds’ strong bond, a love strong enough for life-long partnership, might have inspired Valentine’s Day. Geoffrey Chaucer’s poem "Parliament of Fouls", which is used by scholars as the first evidence for the concept of Valentine’s Day, talks about a pair of birds that show remarkable similarities to how humans express love.
CURRENT STATUS:
The species is currently listed as vulnerable.
CHALLENGES:
One of the current threats to the black cheeked lovebird is decreased rainfall, which results in a longer dry season. The black cheeked lovebird typically needs to drink water twice a day from an undisturbed water source and it is critical that they do so. This lovebird species is running out of water sources to drink from within their limited range. Currently, the Black Cheeked lovebird is on the decline with about 10,000 individuals left. From 1920-1950, pet trade exploitation of the Black Cheeked lovebird also contributed to the decline that we see today.
Black cheeked lovebirds at Welt Vogelpark, Walsrode
OUR ALLY FOR PROTECTING THE BLACK CHEEKED LOVEBIRD
The World Parrot Trust is an international leader in science-based, results-oriented parrot conservation and welfare efforts. They carried out a field research conservation project for the Black Cheeked lovebird where they identified habitat requirements, evaluated threats that limited their recovery, and involved the local community in the creation of a long term monitoring program.
Their mission is to restore and protect populations of wild parrots and their native habitats, promote awareness of the threats to all parrots, end the trade in wild-caught parrots and where possible, return parrots to the wild and educate parrot caregivers and the general public about the care and well-being of companion parrots.
HOW YOU CAN GET INVOLVED IN PROTECTING THE BLACK CHEEKED
LOVEBIRD
Our allies at World Parrot Trust suggest that the following actions can help protect the Black Cheeked Lovebirds:
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Join the World Parrot Trust, an organisation working to understand the threats to lovebirds in the Zambezi basin and protect areas of key habitat.
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When purchasing a lovebird, or any parrot, be sure they were bred in captivity by a responsible breeder.
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Support the FlyFree campaign and say no to wild caught birds. Help fight the illegal pet trade.
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Donate to or fundraise for the World Parrot Trust. This will aid their several conservation projects.
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