The Kaka, or Masked Shining Parrot (Prosopeia personata), is an alert, inquisitive and sociable bird, and also a noisy one! Its raucous screeches are one of the natural alarm calls of the forest. Kaka are also known as Musk Parrots, due to their strong, musky odour. This bird has a small range, occurring only on Viti Levu, but it is easily seen at any of the island’s forests. However, the Kaka has undergone a moderately rapid decline due to forest loss and conversion. It is protected from international trade by the Convention on the Trade of Endangered Species (CITES), and is also protected under the Fiji Endangered and Protected Species Act. 

“Forests and Biodiversity – Too precious to lose!” is the theme of the upcoming International Day of Forests on March 21. Each day until then, we’ll be sharing information about a different bird highlighted in our special edition playing cards. We hope you enjoy learning more about the precious diversity you can find right here in our Fijian forests! #IntlForestDay #IDOF2020