Monty Python comedian John Cleese, featured in the famous “dead parrot” comedy sketch, has joined an effort to push for stronger parrot protections. A new study by the World Wildlife Fund and the World Parrot Trust has found that 27 percent of the world’s 330 parrot species are in serious danger from habitat loss and the pet trade. Meanwhile, the UK-based World Conservation Union yesterday announced a plan to save plant species by protecting 256 “hot spots” around the globe. The group hopes to raise $12 million for the effort.
