“African Grey Parrots, a beautiful and fascinating species, are increasingly being trafficked illegally due to the growing demand for pets. Their beautiful feathers and uncanny ability to mimic human speech make them a prized possession in many homes.
Sadly, the capture of these birds by poachers often results in their death before they can even become pets. According to Patrick Muinde, Director of Research at World Animal Protection, up to 60% of African Grey Parrots die between capture in the forest and arrival at their final destination. Out of every ten parrots captured, only four make it to their destination.
The brutal methods used by poachers to capture these parrots are shocking. They use a sticky gum made from tree sap that they spread on branches to trap the birds. To prevent them from flying away, the poachers then rip off their wings, injuring or killing many parrots.
African grey parrots are found primarily in West, Central and East Africa, in countries such as Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania. However, most of the illegally trafficked birds come from West Africa, where they live in the rainforests of countries such as Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Nigeria, according to the World Parrot Fund.
The 2017 amendments to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora aimed to ban all trade in these species. However, this ban is not always strictly enforced, with traffickers exploiting loopholes in regional laws to continue their activities.
The population of free-ranging African grey parrots once estimated at millions has declined dramatically to around 100,000 individuals. In some countries, such as Togo and Ghana, the species is already considered extinct, according to the World Parrot Fund.
Raising awareness about the fight against the illegal trafficking of African grey parrots is crucial to protecting this iconic and fragile species. Together, we can work to preserve biodiversity and the well-being of these magnificent birds.”
This lively and well-researched text draws the reader’s attention to a crucial subject while informing them in detail.