Dec
08, 2015 06:00 AM EST
The
rare quetzal bird, long seen as the national bird of Guatemala, is now on the
verge of extinction. Reports say that the beautiful bird's numbers are
dwindling at an alarming rate. There are a range of threats that pose a danger
to the rare bird, including poaching and habitat loss.In
a report with Fox News
Latino, the
endemic bird of southern Mexico and Central America, is now on the verge of
extinction due to habitat loss and poaching.
Sofia
Solorzano Lujano, researcher at the National Autonomous University of Mexico,
said that the resplendent quetzal faces a range of existential threats, such as
illegal trafficking and habitat loss and forest destruction.
The
researcher from the institution also said that the birds have fallen prey to
predators such as the green toucan, squirrels, as well as other nocturnal
mammals. These predators normally attack quetzal eggs or young chicks. The
researcher also added that bigger prey, like falcons and eagles, prey on the
adult quetzals.
Besides
being natural prey, the quetzals are also under threat because of human
activity. These beautiful birds are known all over the world for their
beautiful and exquisite plummage. People hunt these birds to the brink of
extinction for their feathers, which are used to make fashionable clothing
items such as headbands and headdresses. These beautiful birds are also seen as
exotic pets. Many are sold at black markets for top dollar prices.
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