January 25, 2008

NAIROBO – Wildlife authorities in Cameroon have rescued 1,200 African Grey Parrots slated for exotic animal trade markets in Bahrain and Mexico.

Known for their ability to mimic speech, the birds are increasingly popular as pets. However, their long life spans make them a large responsibility. They are in decline in the wild due to extensive over-trapping for the illegal trade market.

The 1,200 birds were found at the Douala International Airport in Cameroon, and are now being cared for at Limbe Wildlife Center near Mount Cameroon.

After being inspected, the birds are slated to be released back into their natural habitats.

Before the avian flu epidemic of 2006, Cameroon legally exported a limited number of African Greys. Following the outbreak, the legal export of the birds was stopped. However, during the trade stop, illegal trade increased, and over-trapping has since reduced their numbers.

Legal trade has since reopened, but due to low population numbers, no birds will be traded in 2008.

LWC Chief Veterinarian Felix Lenkester said he believes traders were hoping to re-coop losses accrued during the trade stop, and that's why the illegal activity increased.

African Greys are on the CITES appendix – which is a list of animals that cannot be traded because their populations are in decline.

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