Author: Molly Seelinger

Illegal Tarantula Trade: Spookier than Halloween

Swamp Stomp

Volume 18 Issue 45

As fall sets in and we prepare for Halloween, we tend to appreciate the spookier side of life more than we might in the spring when fluffy rabbits and chicks tend to decorate homes. One spooky creature which is next to impossible not to see on decorations this time of year is the tarantula. Perhaps the spookiest aspect of this creature though, which is not well known, is the rampant and illegal trade in tarantulas. This global problem has haunted many ecologists as they try to stop what has already caused damage to ecosystems around the world.

Although you were probably unaware that the illegal tarantula trade existed as of several minutes ago, it is part of the multi-billion black market industry in illegal wildlife trading. Some of the more well-known animals that are a part of this illegal trade include elephants and rhinos, but tarantulas have also been hit especially hard. Conservation biologist Sergio Henriques points to increased travel and cracks in legislation as the main sources of fueling the trade of tarantulas. Wanted for their beautiful coloring, these tarantulas often end up killed and encased in resin on a shelf. Tarantulas in the genus Brachypelma have been especially hard hit by this illegal trading due to their characteristic flame-colored spots and red knees.

So, if the tarantula population were to significantly decrease, would they truly be missed? First of all, although they are rather scary to look at, and tarantulas do carry venom, you are actually more likely to be affected by a bee sting than a tarantula bite. Moreover, tarantula venom has actually been very useful to researchers. Their venom has been extensively studied and we now know much more about pain and diseases such as epilepsy. Tarantulas are also extremely useful in agriculture, as they eat the insects and other pests that infest important crops. Additionally, tarantulas help out other organisms in their ecosystems, as the silk they spin is often used by hummingbirds to build their nests.

Unfortunately, the illegal tarantula trade is hardly a priority for law enforcement officers. With the abundance of crime in the world, trading in tarantulas seems rather insignificant. Even among scientists, tarantulas are less of a priority than the majestic elephant for example.

There are over 900 species of tarantulas, but according to Henriques, the conservation status of only 15 of these have ever been assessed leaving the status of over 99 percent of tarantulas in the wild completely unknown. Scientists who study these creatures have serious concerns for many of the species involved in illegal trading. Since females reproduce later in life, it is much harder for a population to bounce back when so many of its members are removed so suddenly. While not in the top ten of favorite pets, tarantulas are important for many reasons, and without our help and that of dedicated scientists, they could one day be gone.

Source:

Actman, Jani. “The illegal market for tarantulas is hairy business.” National Geographic. National Geographic. October 31, 2018. Web. November 1, 2018.

Octopuses on Ecstasy Leads to Neurological Advances

Swamp Stomp

Volume 18 Issue 44

When you look at an octopus, it doesn’t appear to even remotely resemble a human. From its eight arms to its strange movements, it looks almost alien. In fact, though, it turns out that octopuses are very smart, social, and in many ways, not too different from humans. Gul Dolen, a neuroscientist at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, and Eric Edsinger, an octopus researcher at Marine Biological Laboratory in Woods Hole, discovered this in a rather unique study involving octopus behavior and the drug ecstasy.

Ecstasy, or 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine(MDMA), is found most often at parties. In humans, ecstasy causes a variety of reactions in the brain. Fear is reduced and empathy is induced, and the result is a feeling of overwhelming euphoria, often experienced at electronic dance music (EDM) festivals. When ecstasy enters the bloodstream, the molecules of the drug bind to a protein that regulates the flow of serotonin into and out of neurons. This causes a flood of serotonin, which is responsible for the change of behavior in humans. Interestingly, in octopuses, the drug reacts in the same way.

Hoping to discover more about how the brain controls social behaviors, Dr. Dolen dosed octopuses with ecstasy. Before the drug, the octopuses stayed mostly to themselves, ignoring the other octopuses in the tank and spending most of their time with a Star Wars figurine on the opposite end of the tank. But once the ecstasy was given, the octopuses let loose and enjoyed the company of their fellow octopuses. Some even displayed affection, hugging an overturned orchid pot that protected another octopus and showing off their mouths, another sign of affection.

A major takeaway from this experiment is that somehow, despite being separated by 500 million years of evolution, humans and octopuses share a portion of their brain chemistry. This may seem like a small accomplishment, but when our current conception of the brain is so small, this finding could result in huge advances. If we can understand more completely how the octopus brain functions, we may be able to more completely understand how the human brain functions. The list of neurological diseases is long, including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s among others, and most do not have any known cure. Perhaps octopuses on ecstasy could be the key to finding these cures.

Source:

Klein, JoAnna. “On Ecstasy Octopuses Reached out for a Hug.” New York Times. New York Times. September 20, 2018. Web. October 21, 2018.

Wondiwoi Tree Kangaroos: Not Extinct Anymore!

Swamp Stomp

Volume 18 Issue 40

Reading about critically endangered species these days, we are often met with disappointing news. Increasing amounts of overhunting, pollution, and other forms of habitat destruction harm numerous species and cause damage to the environment every day. Fortunately, however, there is good news. One species that was considered to be extinct has been sited by scientists for the first time since 1928.

Dendrolagus mayri, better known as the Wondiwoi tree kangaroo, was considered extinct by many until amateur botanist Michael Smith of Farnham, England emerged from the jungles of New Guinea with pictures that told a different story. Ascending to 1,500 to 1,700 meters through dense bamboo thicket, Smith and his party of four Papuan porters, a local hunter, and Norman Terok, who studies at the University of Papua in Manokwari, saw the first Wondiwoi tree kangaroo in ninety years. Smith was able to capture a few pictures of the marsupial, some of the only pictures known to exist of the animal.

Long before Smith was born, Ernst Mayr, one of the most important evolutionary biologists of the 20th century, was the first person to spot the Wondiwoi tree kangaroo. However, that same day he also became the first person on record to shoot a Wondiwoi tree kangaroo, as was normal in 1928 in order to study the species. It was given the Latin designation Dendrolagus mayri in 1933 and has rarely been seen or even described since. Mark Eldridge, a marsupial biologist at the Australian Museum in Sydney, describes the Wondiwoi tree kangaroo as, “one of the most poorly known mammals in the world.” The only true evidence of its existence, before Smith took his camera to New Guinea, was the pelt of Mayr’s tree kangaroo that currently lies in London’s Natural History Museum.

There is little to no debate over whether or not what Smith saw was actually a Wondiwoi tree kangaroo. Tim Flannery, author of Tree Kangaroos: A Curious Natural History, notes that “The images are clear and reveal the distinctive coat color.” Smith had also described the scratch marks distinctive of tree kangaroos on many of the trees nearby as well as the characteristic smell of their dung. Flannery also points out that the habitat where Smith took his pictures would not suit the habitat of other related tree kangaroo species. To Flannery, this suggests that the Wondiwoi tree kangaroo is “amazingly common in a very small area,” of about 40 to 80 square miles.

For the Wondiwoi tree kangaroos, Smith’s pictures are more than just an interesting discovery: his find could result in a breakthrough in the conservation of all species of tree kangaroos. Roger Martin of James Cook University in Queensland, Australia says, “ It makes the point that if we provide habitat and otherwise leave them alone, then they will get on just fine.” Martin refers to the fact that Wondiwoi tree kangaroos live higher up in the bamboo thickets than hunters tend to hunt. The need for conservation of these animals is more important than ever, as a gold mine has been proposed to be built in the Wondiwoi Mountains which could potentially further threaten multiple species of tree kangaroos. Smith also remarks, “All this just shows that you can find interesting things if you simply go and look.” For all we know, the most extinct species may just be waiting to be discovered.

Source:

Pickrell, John. “Rare Tree Kangaroo Reappears After Vanishing for 90 Years.” National Geographic. National Geographic. September 25, 2018. Web. September 30, 2018.

Is BPA-Free Just as Dangerous as BPA?

Swamp Stomp

Volume 18 Issue 39

If you own a water bottle, you may have seen the phrase, “BPA- Free”, usually printed in tiny black letters or perhaps with some flashy letters on a sticker pressed onto a new bottle. This phrase is just one of many that consumers see and trust immediately. BPA-free joins the ranks of “not treated with artificial growth hormone” and other phrases that seem important, but are rarely understood. However, BPA-free could turn out to be a dangerous phrase.

First, what is “BPA” and why do we not want it in our water bottles? Bisphenol A is the full name of the actual chemical compound, and it was first used by Bayer and General Electric in the 1950s to link together other compounds. The result was a polycarbonate chain that creates a hard, highly versatile plastic. Soon, BPA was found everywhere, from water bottles to grocery receipts, and to dental sealants. However, what the scientists didn’t realize was that BPA is also an incredible endocrine-disrupting compound. It was found that BPA could act like a hormone and disrupt the vital functions that hormones in our body carry out every day. With further research, scientists discovered just how dangerous BPA could be on the reproductive system, growth and development, and metabolism of many animals, including humans. Even more frightening, in the CDC’s National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey in 2003-2004, 93% of the 2,317 subjects involved had detectable levels of BPA in their urine. Based on the research that had been conducted, the FDA banned the use of BPA in many baby products such as sippy cups, and companies began placing the now familiar BPA-free label on their products.

This should have been the end of the story, case closed. BPA-free products left us with a warm “all is well” feeling, but it shouldn’t have. Instead of using BPA in their products, companies began using an alphabet soup of alternatives such as BPP, BPZ, BPAF, and others. While these seemed to be better, safer alternatives, geneticist Patricia Hunt of Washington State University may have accidentally discovered that they are quite the opposite. While studying the effects of BPA on mice, Hunt’s control group of mice, housed in a BPA-free cage, began experiencing the genetic results of mice damaged by BPA. Something in the plastics of the BPA-free cages was causing similar damage as the BPA cages. Although something may be BPA-free, it may not be endocrine disrupting free. Hunt’s research indicated that although no BPA was present, other compounds acted in the same dangerous manner as BPA.

So what should a well-informed consumer do? Until more research is conducted, it is probably a wise choice to also avoid BPA-free plastics, usually labeled with recycling codes of 3, 6, and 7. Some safe alternatives to plastics are glass and stainless steel, which are now commonly used in water bottles and other products. In addition, when you can, avoid placing plastics in the dishwasher or the microwave. These two actions have been shown to leach increased amounts of BPA and its alternative compounds.

It took twenty years for most companies to switch from BPA to BPA-free products. Hopefully, it will not take manufacturers that long to switch from BPA-free to being free of ANY harmful BPA compounds. Maybe, if enough people stop purchasing these products, they will no longer be manufactured. Then again, that would be an uphill battle considering the inexpensive, lightweight, and fairly unbreakable plastic products we have become so accustomed to using. Here’s hoping for a SAFE plastic.

Source:

Wei-Hass, Maya. “Why BPA Free May Not Mean a Plastic Product is Safe.” National Geographic. National Geographic. September 13, 2018. Web. September 18, 2018.

Redefining Extinction

Swamp Stomp

Volume 18 Issue 37

Twenty-four thousand years ago, give or take, the species known as the cave bear, was eliminated from the Earth. Scientists have not been able to pinpoint the exact cause of the extinction of the cave bear, but they have chalked it up to possible over-hunting and competition with humans for resources. Cave bears, however, may not be as extinct as we once thought they were.

Brown bears can be found throughout the forests and tundra of North America and Eurasia. There are more than 200,000 brown bears worldwide, and researchers have found that 0.9-2.4% of living brown bears’ DNA can be traced back to cave bears. This may not appear to be such an overwhelming discovery, but it is actually only the second time a present-day species’ DNA has been found to be traceable back to a species that was alive during the ice age. Humans are the only other species with this characteristic with 1.5-4% of our DNA being traceable back to Neanderthals. Just like humans, brown bears contain this ancient DNA via interbreeding between the old and the new species.

Axel Barlow, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Potsdam and one of the study’s lead authors, studied the genomes of polar bears, brown bears, and cave bears and compared them to each other. They found the genomes of brown bears and cave bears to be much more similar than the genomes of brown bears and polar bears. This confirmed that interbreeding had to occur to account for these similarities. Rasmus Nielsen, a geneticist at the University of California, Berkeley, notes, “The old-fashioned idea of a species [is that] it’s reproductively isolated from other species. This paper is a part of a series of papers that have been saying that worldview really is wrong.”

What is the significance? By discovering that Neanderthal DNA exists inside humans of today, scientists have been able to uncover aspects of humans from immunity to hair structure. So, this new knowledge could teach us something about unknown aspects of brown bears, who serve as important predators, as well as seed dispersers, in their ecosystems. However, Barlow adds, “It forces us to think on a philosophical level what we mean by species extinction.” In other words, when we say a species is extinct, we imagine it erased completely from the present, but we are finding out this is untrue. The cave bear may no longer physically roam the planet, but it lives on in the DNA of brown bears. Perhaps there will be other species found not to be as extinct as we had once thought?

Sources:

“Brown Bear.” WWF. WWF. N.d. Web. September 2, 2018.

Greshko, Michael. “Extinct Cave Bear DNA Found in Living Bears.” National Geographic. National Geographic. August 27, 2018. Web. September 2, 2018.

Elephants: the Key to a Cure for Cancer?

Swamp Stomp

Volume 18 Issue 36

Cancer, a disease known only too well by so many of us. It’s a disease that comes in many shapes, sizes, and forms. What is cancer though, besides being a popular antagonist in young adult TV shows and books, and what makes this disease so deadly?

Humans and all other living organisms are made up of cells, trillions of them. Our cells divide and redivide, again and again, in order to create new tissue and replace older worn-out cells. It is an automatic process that we have little control over. DNA, located in the nucleus of every cell, controls when a cell divides and makes copies of itself in the process. Sometimes though, the DNA is copied incorrectly resulting in various defects. These defects, or mutations, can be good things; they can result in genetic variation that allows a species to evolve over time. Many times, these defects result in diseases, and one such disease is cancer. Cancer is the rapid uncontrolled growth of cells. This cell division can create tumors, and these tumors can be deadly to the organism. Cancer is not only a serious disease in humans but in of many other species of animals as well.

Knowing what we know about cancer, it might be reasonable to assume that the larger the animal is and the more cells there are, the more likely an animal is to get cancer, right? Wrong. Elephants, which are particularly large animals, actually break this trend, due to their unique DNA. Within human DNA, there is a certain gene that acts as a tumor suppressor, known as P53. Humans have one copy of this gene, while elephants have 20 copies. P53 works by ordering cells that are at risk for cancer to be destroyed. With 20 copies of this gene, elephants are at a significantly lower risk of cancer than humans. Scientists studying this gene in elephants found that P53 works with another gene, Leukemia Inhibitory Factor (LIF6), which is actually responsible for destroying the at-risk cancer cells. When a cancerous cell begins to develop, P53 activates LIF6.

What does this mean for humans? Although cancer is a widely studied and well-known disease, scientists still have a lot of questions to answer before they can come up with a cure. By studying how other animals defend themselves, scientists hope to be able to develop a way to mimic these defenses in humans. We may find in the future that elephants end up being the gateway to a cure for cancer.

Source:

Wei-Haas, Maya. “Cancer Rarely Strikes Elephants. New Clues Suggest Why.” National Geographic. National Geographic. August 14, 2018. Web. August 26, 2018.

GMOs May Help Feed the World

Swamp Stomp

Volume 18 Issue 34

When shoppers see the term “GMO” on an item at their local grocery store, they usually stay away. GMO, or Genetically Modified Organism, tends to bring a negative connotation and an image of an overly-inbred vegetable that has spent its entire lifespan in a lab. In reality, a GMO is just an organism whose DNA has been altered for some reason. These reasons can include increased crop yield or even increased nutritional value.

This is where Crispr comes into play. Crispr is a technique for gene-editing that scientists have applied in selective breeding to change the DNA of many organisms. The CRISPR method begins with an identified trait that scientists believe shows some aspect of an organism that is desirable. For instance, the desired trait could be larger fruit or less fat. They then identify the trait within the DNA sequence of the organism they want to change. Using a restriction enzyme, which acts as a pair of “scissors” for DNA sequences, the desired DNA sequence of the organism is cut and guided to the right location by a developed piece of RNA. Once the DNA is cut, a new trait can be introduced into the DNA or the existing trait can be modified. Then, the DNA repairs itself and the guide RNA and restriction enzyme are removed. Once this occurs, the organism can be bred with other compatible organisms and the new DNA sequence can be passed on to future generations.

The advances in agriculture and other sciences that have resulted from the CRISPR method are tremendous. Farmers have been able to use GMOs engineered to be more resistant to pesticides or produce pesticides themselves. In Hawaii, disease-resistant papayas have been developed. Additionally, scientists have been developing cacao more resistant to West African viruses, bananas more resistant to deadly fungus, rice more resistant to harsh climates, and wheat lower in gluten. GMOs are even allowing crops to be grown where so many have faced famine in order to feed a growing population.

On the other hand, some people wonder if GMO foods are safe and healthy to eat. Genetic engineering is a relatively new development. As a result, research on the long-term health effects of GMO foods is limited. GMO foods still have to meet the same safety requirements as foods grown from non-GMO seeds but critics suggest there’s more to be concerned about. Some people worry that GM foods may be linked to allergies, antibiotic resistance, or cancer. Others suggest these concerns are unfounded.

The CRISPR method though is so much more than making a tomato look more red or a mushroom-less spotted. It is helping combat diseases without the use of pesticides, boost beneficial nutrients, increase tolerance to heat, cold, and drought, and increase crop yield. GMOs can help us find sustainable ways to feed people and help make us healthier through scientific advancement.

Source:

Niiler, Eric. “Why Gene Editing is the Next Food Revolution.” National Geographic. National Geographic. August 10, 2018. Web. August 12, 2018.

https://www.healthline.com/health/gmos-pros-and-cons, October 5, 2016 — Written by Treacy Colbert

Project Puffin

Swamp Stomp

Volume 18 Issue 32

Forty-five years ago, Stephen Kress had a goal: restore Atlantic puffins to the Gulf of Maine. While many believed that nature should be left to “take its course,” Kress devoted his life to making this goal a reality. Through the creation of the National Audubon Society’s Project Puffin, Kress was able to restore more than 1000 nesting pairs to three Maine islands and earn the title, “The Puffin Man.”

Island stewards, also called “Puffineers,” are the backbone of Project Puffin. These interns live on Eastern Egg Rock, one of the Maine islands where puffins have been restored. During the breeding season, they record details on the puffins and their behaviors. The island stewards live minimally during the 10 weeks from June to August in tents, with food and water brought to the island every two weeks. Their work has been critical to not only re-establishing Atlantic puffins to their former nesting places but also in providing data on climate change. The warming Gulf of Maine, which has warmed faster than any place on Earth except for an area northeast of Japan, has caused a change in the diets of puffins. For instance, haddock was never part of puffins’ diets prior to 2010. But in 2017, haddock made up 14% of puffin chicks’ diets on Seal Rock and 6% of their diets on Eastern Egg Rock. The warmer water has caused fish like haddock to move from their more southern environments to northern environments like the Gulf of Maine. Not only does this affect the diets of puffins, but it affects the prior and current ecosystems of the haddock. More haddock in the Gulf of Maine means more competition for the fish that already live there, which could be a serious problem for these fish populations. Moreover, the data that has been amassed over four decades on this by these island stewards is instrumental in understanding the effects of climate change.

Project Puffin is so much more than data, however, to the interns that work on Eastern Egg Rock. Project Puffin has not only given Atlantic puffin populations a second chance, but it has also opened up opportunities that have shaped the lives of the interns involved. Kevin Bell helped bring puffins from Newfoundland to Eastern Egg Rock in 1975, and today he is the CEO of Chicago’s Lincoln Park Zoo. Nicole Faber, who has been working on Eastern Egg Rock for three summers says, “It’s incredible to live at the pace of another species. We’re following the birds and what they do. It’s not something you normally do in life. There are so many things we are shut off from, but we have to respond to the birds. It’s a good thing. You have to be OK sitting with yourself in your own brain.”

In more ways than one, Project Puffin is a story of success. Stephen Kress reinvented the future of the Atlantic puffin whilst furthering the passion so many have for protecting our planet.

Sources:

Fleming, Deirdre. “Atlantic puffin colony soars again, but only with the help of some humans.” Portland Press Herald. Portland Press Herald. July 22, 2018. Web. August 1, 2018.

“Project Puffin Story.” Audubon. Audubon Project Puffin. N.d. Web. August 1, 2018.

 

The Pros and Cons of Seattle’s Plastic Straw Ban

Swamp Stomp

Volume 18 Issue 29

The banning of plastic straws has been a topic discussed frequently in environmental circles. As of July 1st, this became not just a topic for discussion, but a reality for Seattle, Washington, which is now the largest city in the United States that has banned the use of plastic straws. This may seem like a simple act, but it has had major effects on companies and people around the country, for better and for worse.

The ban on plastic straws may be a major win for the environment. Zoos around the country have been encouraging visitors to say no to straws, and some have even had bans on straws for years. This comes from the realization that plastic straws are a major contributor to the enormous amount of waste that finds its way our oceans. One study found that 8.3 billions of plastic straws have made their way to beaches around the world. Another study found that plastic straws make up 7 percent of America’s total plastic waste. By eliminating plastic straws from the trash we create, we really are doing the environment a great favor. However, this ban is not as simple as it sounds.

Restaurant chains such as Starbucks and McDonalds have promised their customers that plastic straws will no longer exist in their stores in the coming years. While this is great news for the environment, as these stores serve billions of customers, this is terrible news for people with disabilities. Many people have disabilities such that their jaws are not strong enough to drink without a straw, perhaps they cannot lift their heads the right way to drink without a straw, or they have are unable to use their hands to hold a cup in any way. Taking away straws takes away their ability to drink anything at all. Some supporters of banning plastic straws have considered this and suggested that these people may be able to use metal or paper straws instead of plastic straws. While this is a solution for some, others need the flexibility of a plastic straw. Dianne Laurine, a Seattle resident who has cerebral palsy, admits that plastic straws were truly life-changing. Her caretaker, Bill Reeves, states that before plastic straws there were rubber straws and these, “ended up being disgusting, and hard to clean.”

So, what is the solution? Should we ban plastic straws to save the oceans from tons of waste at the expense of a portion of our population? Or should we just ignore this topic altogether in order to reduce the burden on people with disabilities? The key to the solution may be to at least limit their use whenever possible. Banning plastic straws completely may not be the solution, but encouraging those who can, to skip using straws may help. Plastic straws are an easy piece of trash to remove if you are able to drink without one, which is why this movement has become so popular. However, there are many other plastic items that could also be removed from the trash we accumulate. Plastic bottle caps, for instance, account for 17% of America’s plastic trash, 10% more than plastic straws. By skipping drinks that come in plastic bottles, an even greater amount of trash can be reduced. Darby Hoover, a senior resource specialist for the Natural Resources Defense Council, states, “The key is breaking habits. Is something a habit because you truly need it or because you got used to doing it that way?” For some, plastic straws may simply a wasteful habit that can be changed and benefit our environment at the same time.

Sources:

Gibbens, Sarah. “A Brief History of How Plastic Straws Took Over the World.” National Geographic. National Geographic. July 6, 2018. Web. July 11, 2018.

Godoy, Maria, and Danovich, Tove. “Why People with Disabilities Want the Ban on Plastic Straws to Be More Flexible.” NPR. NPR. July 11, 2018. Web. July 11, 2018.

Parrots in Peril

Swamp Stomp

Volume 18 Issue 26

“Endangered species” probably brings to mind an animal or plant that is not often seen. Perhaps the giant panda comes to mind or the whooping crane or something else that lives far away. However, some endangered species are closer than you might think. Many species of parrots, for instance, are seen often in pet stores. Yet, they have become increasingly endangered in recent decades. The illegal parrot trade has brought about the near extinction of many of the 350 species of parrots and will continue to do so if not somehow stopped.

In the United States, around 99 percent of parrots in pet stores are captive bred. Because parrots are now considered an endangered species, this is desirable in order to reduce the number of parrots that are removed from the wild. However, Donald Brightsmith, a zoologist at Texas A&M University, says, “if you’re in Peru, Costa Rica, or Mexico, the chances of it being wild caught are 99 percent,” when buying a parrot. Moreover, in order to prevent further population destruction of these parrots, a way needs to be determined to distinguish captive-bred parrots from wild bred parrots.

Now, captive bred parrot chicks are given a metal band that rests around one of their legs for their entire life. However, illegal parrot traders have been able to make their own metal bands for wild-caught parrots in order for them to appear captive bred. In South Africa, geneticists have come up with a possible solution to this problem. At the University of KwaZulu, a gene profiling method is being developed that will allow breeders, pet buyers, or airport inspectors to determine if the parrot is captive bred by using distinct genetic profiles. Additionally, a method using chemical isotopes is being developed to determine the parrot’s diet, which points to where the parrot originated.

Although the rampant illegal parrot trade may make parrots’ futures seem grim, there have been recent improvements. For instance, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have publicly stated that they will no longer import wild-caught African gray parrots, a species of parrot that has faced increasing danger. Additionally, the Puerto Rican parrot population, which consisted of 13 parrots in the 1970s, now consists of several hundred due to the efforts of biologists. Hopefully, as long as these efforts continue, the parrot populations may be able to avoid reaching extinction.

Source:

Dell’Amore, Christine. “Have Parrots Become Too Popular for their Own Good?” National Geographic. National Geographic. June 2018. Web. June 14, 2018.