The grey African parrot is quite the beauty, and it is intelligent too. This gift endears the parrot to many, who yearn one for a pet, with researchers saying many are trapped in urban homes, especially in Nairobi. In Kakamega Forest, which is an eastern extension of the great Congo Basin rainforest, the population of African grey parrots is estimated to be less than 20 pairs. The unprecedented decline in the birds’ population is further blamed on their unregulated trade which peaked in the 1980s and 1990s, and continues today, despite a ban. Wildlife ecologist Brian Waswala, who is conducting a study on the African grey parrot, says the declining numbers present an opportunity for proper conservation to enhance the birds’ population.

Source: Daily Nation February 12, 2019 11:03 UTC