Conservation

Aratinga erythrogenys is considered a restricted range species of Near Threatened conservation status (Mace and Stuart 1994, Birdlife International 2013) since its distribution pattern appears to be limited and closely tied to arid and semiarid habitats (Best and Clark 1991, Best et al. 1993, 1995). It has been noted from many protected areas, especially in Ecuador (Juniper and Parr 1998), which may help assure its conservation.

In its native range Red-masked Parakeet has experienced population number declines attributed to habitat loss and capture for the live bird trade (Juniper and Parr 1998). Nturalized populations in California, Florida and Hawai'i, USA are associated with urban and human disturbed habitats due to release location fidelity (sedentary tendencies) and the rich natural food availability associated with residential plantings of seed- rich plants. In California it has been feared that people were capturing or harassing them which motivated city leaders to grant them official protection in San Francisco, CA, USA.  In Hawai'i, they are not noticed by many, and are considered a nonnative species that can be lethally controlled with a controll permit, although they provide the service of feeding on and destroying seeds of invasive, weedy plant/tree species.