Malabar Parakeet

Taxobox
name = Malabar Parakeet
status = LC | status_system = IUCN3.1


image_width = 240px
image_caption = Malabar Parakeet or Blue-winged Parakeet
regnum = Animalia
phylum = Chordata
classis = Aves
ordo = Psittaciformes
familia = Psittacidae
genus = "Psittacula"
species = "P. columboides"
binomial = "Psittacula columboides"
binomial_authority = (Vigors, 1830)

The Malabar Parakeet also known as the Blue-winged Parakeet, ("Psittacula columboides") is endemic to the Western Ghats in Southern India. The range of this species is less than 50,000 square kilometres and hence it is classified as a "restricted range" species by the IUCN. The species probably shares a common ancestor with the Layard's parakeet ("Psittacula calthropae") which is endemic to Sri Lanka. Like all species of parrots found in the Indian subcontinent, this species too is neglected for conservation efforts by the Indian Government and the conservation fraternity. The chief threat to this species, as in the case of the Alexandrine Parakeet is poaching for the illegal pet trade.

References

* Database entry includes justification for why this species is of least concern