Patterns of poached parrots arriving at a rescue centre in Northeast Brazil

Summary Psittacidae birds are heavily targeted by the illegal pet trade worldwide. Understanding local patterns of such exploitation will help decision-makers elaborate effective conservation strategies. Thus, here we analysed admissions data for 2016–2024 from Brazilian governmental agencies for Tangara Wildlife Rescue Centre in Pernambuco, Northeast Brazil to elucidate the patterns of entry of poached Blue-fronted Parrots Amazona aestiva. In addition to Blue-fronted Parrots, six other parrot species also entered the centre. Nevertheless, 78% were Blue-fronted Parrots seized in 95 municipalities distributed across 11 states in Brazil. There are four main categories of arrival at the rescue centre – seizures, voluntary surrender, rescue, and transfers – of which the first two are the most frequent. Mortality rates correlated with rates of arrival from voluntary surrender and seizures. The number of adults entering the centre varied annually, while the number of chicks changed between months, with peak arrivals in October. Species preference seems to drive the parrot trade in the region. Recommendations include implementing environmental education and media campaigns, enhancing inspection efforts, improving data management in rescue centres, and establishing protected areas to reduce the number of poached animals and enhance the effectiveness of the Blue-fronted Parrot reintroduction programme in the region.