Cornwall, UK - The World Parrot Trust (WPT) has sent emergency funds to aid in the treatment and housing of over 1000 Grey Parrots (Psittacus erithacus), the largest group of illegally trapped Grey Parrots ever seized in the country of Cameroon. The seizure, which occurred in early February, is the third such confiscation of this species in the country since December 2007. The aid is being directed to Limbe Wildlife Centre (LWC) and the Last Great Ape Organization (LAGA), two independent African wildlife rescue groups working with government officials to coordinate the seizures and subsequent care of the birds - in an attempt to reduce the trade in this species. This aid follows closely on the heels of emergency funding sent by the WPT in response to a smaller seizure of 300 birds in November of 2009.
Funds needed immediately;
The parrots were delivered to the Limbe Wildlife Center shortly after the confiscation, which was spearheaded by the Last Great Ape Organization. The shipment, which was scheduled to leave for Kuwait and Bahrain International Airports, respectively, was without proper documentation from international authorities. Upon arrival at Limbe it was discovered that 47 of the birds were already dead, with another 30 dying of thirst and stress on the first day. Simone de Vries, manager of Limbe, stated “It makes you sick to see how the parrots are packed in the boxes, the weaker ones trampled by the strongest.” The center has been inundated with the sudden appearance of the Greys, still having to deal with the remaining birds of the shipment from November of last year. The current group of parrots is being kept in ape quarantine enclosures, as there is nowhere else to house them.
Parrot populations declining:
The Grey Parrot is listed as near threatened by the 2009 IUCN Red List, as evaluated by Bird Life International. Their threatened status is due to the persistent heavy trapping of these parrots for the wild bird trade. Illegal trapping continues in Cameroon, in spite of measures being taken by local and international communities.
International groups working together to end trade:
The World Parrot Trust and its partners have recently launched the FlyFree program (www.parrots.org/
Individuals who wish to make a donation online are encouraged to visit: http://www.parrots.org/
