A University of Hong Kong study published in the Evolutionary Applications journal in May focused on the yellow-crested cockatoo, a critically endangered species in Indonesia, which has been found in busy areas of Hong Kong since the 1960s. The descendants of escaped or released pets now form a flock of about 200.
Lead researcher Astrid Andersson from HKU’s school of biological sciences said the birds are “backup” lineages of subspecies that may no longer exist in the wild. The parrots are listed as critically endangered after poaching, the pet trade and habitat loss drove their numbers to fewer than 2,000 in their native Indonesia. Hong Kong Island is now home to one-tenth of the global population and DNA profiles show they have greater resilience to disease and environmental stress. Andersson said a carefully managed programme might allow some to be reintroduced to Indonesia, but the city’s population also needs help, including installing artificial nests to replace those lost to typhoons and tree pruning.
Policy must still be backed up with enforcement and proactive stewardship. Helping Indonesia save its rare flock could also inspire the city to do more at home.