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This species is protected from trade by Appendix I of CITES. There are widespread reports of population declines throughout its range, particularly in the last 20 years. The species is reported to have been extirpated from some areas and is regarded as in danger of extinction in most countries in its range.
Loss of habitat from large-scale deforestation is the primary threat to these parrots. They are also overhunted for the local and international pet trade. Because of their desirability as talking pets, poaching of nestlings is an extremely serious problem throughout their range. Poaching has been reduced significantly in protected areas, but outside these areas, it remains a serious problem. Poachers often open up the nesting cavities to get at the chicks, ruining them for future breeding attempts. Since cavity nesters are often limited by suitable nest sites, the birds lose both their current nestlings and the chance for future breeding in that site.
In 2000, the Project for the Conservation, Management and Sustainable Utilization of Parrots in Mexico was established including the monitoring of populations and the repatriation of confiscated animals. There are several protected areas within the range of the species.
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