Information on African Grey Parrots From Cameroon

A common pet bird, the African grey parrot (Psittacus erithacus erithacus) is loved by pet owners for its charm and striking intelligence. Their native habitat ranges from western to central Africa, including parts of Cameroon. Unfortunately, the popularity of the African grey has had a serious and devastating effect on the wild populations in Cameroon.

  1. Habitat and Range

    • African grey parrots live in the lowland forests of the Congo river basin that stretches into eastern Cameroon. Generally a bird that lives in large flocks of more than a 100, "Parrots of the World: an Identification Guide" states that these birds are "generally scarce in West Africa, where there is widespread deforestation and trapping for the live-bird trade."

    Wild Trapping

    • African grey parrots are still regularly trapped in Cameroon for export to other countries to sell into the pet trade. Although the importation of these birds into the U.S. is illegal, per the Wild Bird Conservation Act of 1992, smugglers regularly transport greys into the U.S. to sell as pets. The simple reason for the continued trade is that it is profitable for the trappers and smugglers. Cameroon allows the trapping of 12,000 African grey parrots each year.

    The Trapping Process

    • To trap the birds, trappers tie a single bird to a low branch or on the ground to attract other birds. Once the area is full of birds, trappers fling a net over the birds. Trappers then stuff all the birds into a box where they stay for several days while carried to a transport location. At least half of these birds die by the time they reach the destination city, according to the World Parrot Trust.

    Conservation

    • Trapping for the pet trade in Cameroon has significantly decreased the African grey population in Cameroon reports the World Parrot Trust. To stop the trade and increase the population, the World Parrot Trust is working on two fronts. By rehabilitation and releasing confiscated birds into protected areas and providing other employment opportunities for the people of Cameroon, the World Parrot Trust hopes to improve the circumstances of wild African greys in Cameroon and surrounding African countries.

    What Pet Owners Can Do

    • African grey pet owners or those considering getting one as a pet can help the wild African greys of Cameroon directly. One way is to adopt a bird that was bred in the United States or from a reputable parrot rescue. Thoroughly investigate the history of the bird so that you know you are not financially supporting the trapping of wild African greys. You can also contribute funds to organizations such as the World Parrots Trust's Save the Greys Fund, which is directly working to help the greys in Africa, including those in Cameroon.