[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_fullwidth_header title=”A Place to Land” subhead=”Hong Kong\u2019s Urban Parrots” header_fullscreen=”on” background_overlay_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.54)” admin_label=”Title” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” title_font=”Lato|700|||||||” title_text_align=”center” title_font_size=”42px” title_line_height=”1.5em” subhead_font=”Lato||||||||” subhead_text_align=”center” subhead_font_size=”26px” background_image=”https:\/\/jmsc6110a.com\/capstone2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/5.jpg” parallax=”on” title_text_shadow_style=”preset1″ content_text_shadow_style=”preset1″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
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by Huan Ran & Zhang Linzhuo<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_fullwidth_header][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ disabled_on=”on|on|off” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_video src=”https:\/\/youtu.be\/eaPCWEdWUYg?si=CGwVJrv4GtysrXuQ” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_video][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”|150px||150px|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#000000″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
F<\/span><\/span>or residents living near urban parks in Hong Kong, a high-pitched squawk that comes in bursts may be a familiar sound in the quiet morning.<\/span><\/p>\n At a casual glance up, a flock of snow-white birds with flashing yellow crowns can be seen flying overhead and landing on branches and light poles.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Many may not realize they are looking at one of the world\u2019s rarest birds: the yellow-crested cockatoo.<\/span><\/p>\n But for scientists, the birds\u2019 presence is more than a familiar part of the cityscape. It represents a rare conservation opportunity for protecting an endangered species in Hong Kong. <\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/jmsc6110a.com\/capstone2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/photo-1.jpg” title_text=”photo 1″ admin_label=” Image 1″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”Caption” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-10px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n A yellow-crested cockatoo rests on a branch on the University of Hong Kong campus. (Ran Huan)<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#000000″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Native to Indonesia and East Timor, yellow-crested cockatoos have established one of their largest habitats on northern Hong Kong Island, home to about 10% of the global wild population.<\/span><\/p>\n The species is critically endangered, with only <\/span>1,200 to 2,000 mature individuals<\/span><\/a> remaining in the wild worldwide, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Other populations are scattered across Indonesia\u2019s Lesser Sunda islands and Sulawesi, as well as East Timor.<\/span><\/p>\n In their native habitats, the species’ numbers have plummeted due to decades of over-exploitation for the exotic pet trade, alongside rapid deforestation and climate change. Few places still host a \u201clarge and cohesive\u201d flock like Hong Kong\u2019s, which researchers say can be critical for the survival of the species.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cThey are in a relatively safe environment here. It can be a good backup population to ensure that the species won\u2019t go extinct on the planet,\u201d said Astrid Andersson, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Hong Kong, who has studied the species for nearly a decade.<\/span><\/p>\n But in recent years, the same pressures that have brought down the number of cockatoos in their native range, especially habitat loss and demand from the pet trade, have begun shaping what happens here.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ disabled_on=”off|off|on” admin_label=”m” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_video src=”https:\/\/youtu.be\/eaPCWEdWUYg?si=CGwVJrv4GtysrXuQ” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_video][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”|0px||0px|false|true” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#000000″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n F<\/span><\/span>or residents living near urban parks in Hong Kong, a high-pitched squawk that comes in bursts may be a familiar sound in the quiet morning.<\/span><\/p>\n At a casual glance up, a flock of snow-white birds with flashing yellow crowns can be seen flying overhead and landing on branches and light poles.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Many may not realize they are looking at one of the world\u2019s rarest birds: the yellow-crested cockatoo.<\/span><\/p>\n But for scientists, the birds\u2019 presence is more than a familiar part of the cityscape. It represents a rare conservation opportunity for protecting an endangered species in Hong Kong. <\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/jmsc6110a.com\/capstone2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/photo-1.jpg” title_text=”photo 1″ admin_label=” Image 1″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”Caption” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-10px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n A yellow-crested cockatoo rests on a branch on the University of Hong Kong campus. (Ran Huan)<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#000000″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Native to Indonesia and East Timor, yellow-crested cockatoos have established one of their largest habitats on northern Hong Kong Island, home to about 10% of the global wild population.<\/span><\/p>\n The species is critically endangered, with only <\/span>1,200 to 2,000 mature individuals<\/span><\/a> remaining in the wild worldwide, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Other populations are scattered across Indonesia\u2019s Lesser Sunda islands and Sulawesi, as well as East Timor.<\/span><\/p>\n In their native habitats, the species’ numbers have plummeted due to decades of over-exploitation for the exotic pet trade, alongside rapid deforestation and climate change. Few places still host a \u201clarge and cohesive\u201d flock like Hong Kong\u2019s, which researchers say can be critical for the survival of the species.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cThey are in a relatively safe environment here. It can be a good backup population to ensure that the species won\u2019t go extinct on the planet,\u201d said Astrid Andersson, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Hong Kong, who has studied the species for nearly a decade.<\/span><\/p>\n But in recent years, the same pressures that have brought down the number of cockatoos in their native range, especially habitat loss and demand from the pet trade, have begun shaping what happens here.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” admin_label=”A Housing Crisis in the Tree Canopy” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_fullwidth_header title=”A Housing Crisis in the Tree Canopy” header_fullscreen=”on” background_overlay_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.54)” admin_label=”subtitle put here” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” title_font=”Lato|700|||||||” title_text_align=”center” title_font_size=”42px” title_line_height=”1.5em” background_image=”https:\/\/jmsc6110a.com\/capstone2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/photo-2.jpg” parallax=”on” title_text_shadow_style=”preset1″ content_text_shadow_style=”preset1″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_fullwidth_header][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ disabled_on=”on|on|off” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”|150px||150px|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Body Text” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#000000″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n When cockatoos were imported as pets from the 1960s through the 1990s, Hong Kong\u2019s urban parks, with abundant exotic and fruit trees, provided an ideal habitat for them to survive and grow in number.<\/span><\/p>\n Today, however, that growth has stalled. After 10 years of monitoring the local population, Andersson noted that their numbers have stagnated, with fewer juveniles each year.<\/span><\/p>\n The problem may be the loss of nesting spaces, Andersson said. The cockatoos don\u2019t make a nest; instead, they need an existing tree cavity to lay eggs and raise their chicks.<\/span><\/p>\n Andersson has observed an 80 percent decrease in the number of natural nests over the last decade. Trees with large enough cavities are often older and more fragile, making them vulnerable to typhoons and more likely to be trimmed by the government for public safety.<\/span><\/p>\n Last year, Andersson began a project to install artificial nest boxes designed to mimic natural tree hollows and expand the birds’ nesting options. Her team aims to install 50 boxes across Hong Kong Island over the next few years, targeting areas where the population is most concentrated.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/jmsc6110a.com\/capstone2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/photo-3.jpg” title_text=”photo 3″ admin_label=”Template Image” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”Caption” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-10px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Harry Wong, who has partnered with Astrid Andersson on the nest box project, installs an artificial nest box on the campus of St. Louis School in Sai Ying Pun. (Ran Huan)<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Body Text” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#000000″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n So far, 11 boxes have been installed, with four more planned before this year’s breeding season. Andersson said the project has moved faster than expected. Three of the boxes have already attracted cockatoos, including one on the University of Hong Kong campus that a pair began visiting within months of installation.<\/span><\/p>\n That early response was an encouraging surprise, she said, because birds may take several breeding seasons to accept an artificial nest box. They can be wary of entering a man-made structure, or may not discover it at all.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n One of the boxes is secured high on a tree on the HKU campus, visible from a busy pathway where students pass by every day. A pair of cockatoos perched nearby, their loud squawks breaking through the campus background noise and drawing glances upward from passersby.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/jmsc6110a.com\/capstone2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/photo-4.jpg” title_text=”photo 4″ admin_label=”Template Image” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”Caption” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-10px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n An artificial nest box installed by Astrid Andersson\u2019s team for yellow-crested cockatoos hangs on a tree on the University of Hong Kong campus. (Ran Huan)<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Body Text” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#000000″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n \u201cThis year\u2019s breeding season hasn\u2019t started yet,\u201d she said. \u201cBut we hope that we will see some egg laying and some chicks hatching.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n The nesting box design is now in its third version. With cameras installed inside and powered by solar panels, Andersson will be able to monitor the birds in real time. This provides rich data on cockatoos\u2019 breeding behavior, which hasn\u2019t been extensively studied due to their rarity.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ disabled_on=”off|off|on” admin_label=”m” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”|0px||0px|false|true” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Body Text” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#000000″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n When cockatoos were imported as pets from the 1960s through the 1990s, Hong Kong\u2019s urban parks, with abundant exotic and fruit trees, provided an ideal habitat for them to survive and grow in number.<\/span><\/p>\n Today, however, that growth has stalled. After 10 years of monitoring the local population, Andersson noted that their numbers have stagnated, with fewer juveniles each year.<\/span><\/p>\n The problem may be the loss of nesting spaces, Andersson said. The cockatoos don\u2019t make a nest; instead, they need an existing tree cavity to lay eggs and raise their chicks.<\/span><\/p>\n Andersson has observed an 80 percent decrease in the number of natural nests over the last decade. Trees with large enough cavities are often older and more fragile, making them vulnerable to typhoons and more likely to be trimmed by the government for public safety.<\/span><\/p>\n Last year, Andersson began a project to install artificial nest boxes designed to mimic natural tree hollows and expand the birds’ nesting options. Her team aims to install 50 boxes across Hong Kong Island over the next few years, targeting areas where the population is most concentrated.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/jmsc6110a.com\/capstone2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/photo-3.jpg” title_text=”photo 3″ admin_label=”Template Image” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”Caption” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-10px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Harry Wong, who has partnered with Astrid Andersson on the nest box project, installs an artificial nest box on the campus of St. Louis School in Sai Ying Pun. (Ran Huan)<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Body Text” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#000000″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n So far, 11 boxes have been installed, with four more planned before this year’s breeding season. Andersson said the project has moved faster than expected. Three of the boxes have already attracted cockatoos, including one on the University of Hong Kong campus that a pair began visiting within months of installation.<\/span><\/p>\n That early response was an encouraging surprise, she said, because birds may take several breeding seasons to accept an artificial nest box. They can be wary of entering a man-made structure, or may not discover it at all.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n One of the boxes is secured high on a tree on the HKU campus, visible from a busy pathway where students pass by every day. A pair of cockatoos perched nearby, their loud squawks breaking through the campus background noise and drawing glances upward from passersby.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/jmsc6110a.com\/capstone2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/photo-4.jpg” title_text=”photo 4″ admin_label=”Template Image” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”Caption” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-10px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n An artificial nest box installed by Astrid Andersson\u2019s team for yellow-crested cockatoos hangs on a tree on the University of Hong Kong campus. (Ran Huan)<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Body Text” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#000000″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n \u201cThis year\u2019s breeding season hasn\u2019t started yet,\u201d she said. \u201cBut we hope that we will see some egg laying and some chicks hatching.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n The nesting box design is now in its third version. With cameras installed inside and powered by solar panels, Andersson will be able to monitor the birds in real time. This provides rich data on cockatoos\u2019 breeding behavior, which hasn\u2019t been extensively studied due to their rarity.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” admin_label=”A Market in the Shadows” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_fullwidth_header title=”A Market in the Shadows” header_fullscreen=”on” background_overlay_color=”rgba(0,0,0,0.54)” admin_label=”subtitle put here” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” title_font=”Lato|700|||||||” title_text_align=”center” title_font_size=”42px” title_line_height=”1.5em” background_image=”https:\/\/jmsc6110a.com\/capstone2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/2-2.jpg” parallax=”on” title_text_shadow_style=”preset1″ content_text_shadow_style=”preset1″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_fullwidth_header][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ disabled_on=”on|on|off” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”|150px||150px|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#000000″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n While the nest boxes address the birds\u2019 \u201chousing\u201d problem, Andersson said the illegal pet trade remains a parallel risk.<\/span><\/p>\n She has been informed of a few incidents in which people have climbed into natural nests and grabbed chicks to sell in the market, which poses a threat to wild cockatoo populations. \u201cEvery chick is very valuable because they have such limited space to reproduce,\u201d she said.<\/span><\/p>\n Hong Kong bans the commercial trade in wild-caught yellow-crested cockatoos, following the species\u2019 <\/span>uplisting to Appendix I<\/span><\/a> of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) in 2005. But birds bred in captive facilities with a valid CITES license can be legally traded.<\/span><\/p>\n Sharon Kwok Pong, founder of Hong Kong Parrot Rescue, said her group has handled roughly a dozen rescue cases involving yellow-crested cockatoos, including birds surrendered by owners who could no longer keep them. Kwok said cockatoos can live up to 80 years, and many were bought legally as pets long before the ban took effect.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cI catch a glimpse of a shop or two on Bird Street, which still has cockatoos. If they see me, they will say they are not selling it. It\u2019s an old bird,\u201d she said. \u201cBut I don\u2019t think that is true because I can tell the bird is very young.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/jmsc6110a.com\/capstone2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/\u5fae\u4fe1\u56fe\u7247_20260525222600_40_103.jpg” title_text=”\u5fae\u4fe1\u56fe\u7247_20260525222600_40_103″ admin_label=”Image need renew” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”Caption” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-10px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n A captive cockatoo perches on a railing at Bird Garden in Mong Kok. (Ran Huan)<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#000000″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n At the practical level, it can be hard to distinguish whether a bird displayed at the market is wild-caught or captive-bred without <\/span>scientific techniques<\/span>,<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>said Chloe Hatten, a wildlife trade specialist and junior research fellow at Lingnan University.<\/span><\/p>\n Legally, captive-bred cockatoos should be tagged with a leg ring and have documentation to prove their origin. But Hatten said those are not reliable evidence.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cBecause animals within a species all look the same, regardless of whether it is captive or wild,\u201d she said. \u201cIf you\u2019re a trader, you could just put a tag that symbolizes captivity. It\u2019s quite easy to fabricate the permits that are required.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n A <\/span>2017-2018 market survey<\/span><\/a> conducted by Andersson found 33 yellow-crested cockatoos for sale at a bird market in Mong Kok. This number has more than tripled the amount legally imported since 2005. According to the survey, these birds could be from home breeders, trafficking from abroad, or poaching from the local wild population.<\/span><\/p>\n Hatten said a forensic tool has been developed to help distinguish wild-caught birds from captive ones. <\/span>By analyzing the chemical signatures within a bird\u2019s feathers, scientists can infer whether its diet more closely matches a captive or wild environment.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ disabled_on=”off|off|on” admin_label=”m” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”|0px||0px|false|true” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#000000″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n While the nest boxes address the birds\u2019 \u201chousing\u201d problem, Andersson said the illegal pet trade remains a parallel risk.<\/span><\/p>\n She has been informed of a few incidents in which people have climbed into natural nests and grabbed chicks to sell in the market, which poses a threat to wild cockatoo populations. \u201cEvery chick is very valuable because they have such limited space to reproduce,\u201d she said.<\/span><\/p>\n Hong Kong bans the commercial trade in wild-caught yellow-crested cockatoos, following the species\u2019 <\/span>uplisting to Appendix I<\/span><\/a> of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) in 2005. But birds bred in captive facilities with a valid CITES license can be legally traded.<\/span><\/p>\n