The Cape Parrot is native to South Africa and lives in forested areas eating fruit and nuts. Pictured above is a male Cape Parrot. (Image Credit: Cyril Laubscher)
Genetic analysis of the Cape parrot, currently considered a Poicephalus robustus sub-species, shows that it is genetically distinct from other P. robustus subspecies and should be elevated to the species level. The researchers believe this may allow for better planning and implementation of conservation strategies for the Cape Parrot.
The researchers genotyped 138 specimens from five Poicephalus species, including two sub-species of P. robustus, P. r. fuscicollis and P. r. suahelicus. The analysis found the most common ancestor between the Cape Parrot and P. r. fuscicollis and P. r. suahelicus existed in the early Pleistocene, about 2.4 million years ago.
Original research paper published in PLOS ONE on August 12, 2015.
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