African Grey Parrot

Status

More rare than previously believed, the African Grey was uplisted from a species of Least Concern to Near Threatened in the 2007 IUCN Red List. A recent analysis suggests that up to 21% of the global population may be taken from the wild annually, primarily for the pet trade. In 2012 the species was further uplisted to Vulnerable.

The species is endemic to primary and secondary rainforest of West and Central Africa. Grey parrots depend on large old trees for the natural hollows they use for nesting. Studies in Guinea and Guinea-Bissau have found that African Greys' preferred species of nesting trees are also species preferred for timber. There is a positive relationship between the status of the species and the status of primary forest: where the forests are declining, so too are populations of Grey parrots.


The African Grey parrot is listed on Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora . This requires both that exports be accompanied by a permit issued by a national authority and that a finding be made that the export is non-detrimental to the species in the wild. With exports totalling more than 350,000 specimens from 1994–2003, the Grey parrot is one of the most heavily traded CITES-listed bird species. In response to continuing population declines, exceeded quotas, and unsustainable and illegal trade , CITES included the Grey parrot in Phase VI of the CITES Review of Significant Trade in 2004. This review has resulted in recommended zero export quotas for several range states and a CITES Decision to develop regional management plans for the species.

In the United States, importation of wild-caught Grey parrots is prohibited under the U.S. Wild Bird Conservation Act of 1992. In the European Union, an EU Directive of 2007 prevents importation of this and any other wild-caught bird for the pet trade.

Food

* Chocolate
⤷  Avocado
⤷  Caffeine
⤷  Alcohol
⤷  Apple seeds
⤷  Peach pit
⤷  Cherry pit
⤷  Store-bought vegetables

Cultural

Their sociability and intelligence can make African Grey parrots excellent pets. They have a devoted following among parrot owners. However, the same qualities mean that African Greys require a special commitment by their owners to provide frequent one-on-one interaction and supervised time out of their cage. They must be kept entertained and busy with people and toys or they may become stressed and develop self-destructive behavior. African Greys require large cages, a varied diet that includes fresh foods, and plenty of safe and destructible toys. If not provided with these items, African Greys quickly develop unpleasant behaviours and may eventually develop health problems that are difficult to remedy.

Even the healthiest, happiest pet African Grey will generate a fair amount of mess and noise. Like most parrots, they are non-domesticated, and even a well-socialized, hand-raised, aviary-bred bird is only one or two generations removed from its wild predecessor. Despite this, there is a long recorded history of African Greys being kept by the ancient Greeks, wealthy Roman families, King Henry VIII, Portuguese sailors, and others.