# 67 Pat and the parrots (USA)

Nearly one-third of all parrot species are threatened with extinction, yet most people picture these charismatic birds as noisy pets in cages rather than the complex, emotionally intelligent wild creatures they truly are. In this captivating episode, host Dr. Cat Vendl speaks with Dr. Pat Latas, a founding member of the newly founded IUCN Wild Parrot Specialist Group, whose four-decade journey spans from rescuing a tiny house sparrow as a child to working with critically endangered kakapo on remote New Zealand islands.Pat reveals how the illegal wildlife trade has exploded into a $40-60 billion global business fueled by social media. Discover why there's a "parrot people stigma" in conservation science, how 14 naturalized parrot species are thriving in Los Angeles (with some endangered Mexican species now more abundant in California than their native range), and why Pat combines her scientific illustration skills with conservation work to protect these beloved yet threatened birds.LinksNewly founded IUCN Wild Parrot Specialist GroupParrot Crisis SummitPat’s art workWanna get in touch with Pat Latas? Email her here: Patricia.Latas[at]ssc.iucn.orgWe'd love to hear from you ... share your thoughts, feedback and ideas.