
THE AFRICAN GREY PARROT
Introduction
The African Grey Parrot (Psittacus erithacus), is famous for its distinctive intelligence and a unique personality characterized by mimicking varieties of sounds to near perfection. These attributes make it one of the most iconic and sought-after bird species of the world. However, this magnificent bird species has endured severe threats to its survival in the natural world. Threats to its existence are attributed to unregulated harvests of nest hosting trees, changing land use patterns, general habitat loss, illegal trappings and the international pet trade. Part I of this article highlights the current state of the African Grey Parrot in Buvuma Islands of Lake Victoria, ongoing conservation endeavors and the challenges ahead.

Nest hosting tree of the African Grey Parrot
The Plight of the African Grey Parrot:
The African Grey Parrot is generally a medium-sized bird with distinct color patterns of mottled grey. Characteristically, it has a prominent large black bill, white mask enclosing a yellow eye, and has a striking red vent and tail easily identifiable even during flight. The species is described as gregarious, feeds and leaves in flocks or small groups of 8-15 individuals. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) describes its native range to extend from southeastern Côte d’Ivoire through the moist lowland forests of West Africa to Cameroon, into the Congo forests to the east of the Albertine Rift (to the shores of L. Victoria and its islands) in Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania and south to northern Angola. Listed as endangered on the IUCN Red list (2023), In Buvuma islands, they can still be observed at remnant forest fringes, clearings, cultivated areas, gardens during feeding times and remnant large trees with nesting cavities which they use for breeding (Figure 1 below).
This unique bird species is a cherished pet worldwide. Several factors have contributed to the African grey parrot’s popularity as a pet; exceptional intelligence, ‘talking’ abilities, longevity, its aesthetic appeal, being playful and entertaining.
Figure 1: African Grey Parrot Nesting Cavity in Buvuma islands: Figure 2: A rescued young African Grey Parrot at Buwanga -Buvuma.
The African Grey Parrot in Buvuma islands:
Buvuma is an archipelago consisting of 52 independent islands. Until recently, the main island (Located at coordinates: Lat. 0.1904301; Long. 33.272753) was the most covered island with indigenous tree species. The local people interviewed suggest that the bird species was abundant on many of the islands; Bugaya, Buvuma main island, Bweema and Lyabaana islands. Buvuma main island has recently been earmarked for oil palm production out of which 5,000 hectares have been demarcated for palm tree plantations.
Consequently, >40% of the main island has been deforested in recent years. Large swathes of forests have since been cleared with significant impact on mature tree stands, usually the first to be harvested for timber, charcoal and fuelwood biomass. The indiscriminate tree cutting has inadvertently led to the emigration of the African Grey Parrots to other habitats or to remnant forest patches near human settlements hence increasing their vulnerability and chances of capture by relentless trappers.
Continued species habitat destruction:
Plantation agriculture has displaced many smallholder farmers on Buvuma main island, who eventually resort to clearing forest lands even in protected areas or buffer zones. The impact of smallholder farmer-led deforestation and habitat fragmentation on the parrot’s natural habitat has been significant. Figure 4 below shows a cleared piece of land at Busamuzi for Palm oil tree planting. With the increasing human population and the increased demand for arable land, smallholder farmers may expand their farming activities into previously un-touched forest areas, further exacerbating the species habitat destruction.
Figure 3: African Grey Parrot nest hosting tree at Buwanga village: Figure 4: Cleared land for Palm tree plantations at Busamuzi.
Illegal Parrot Trade:
Illegal parrot trapping and trade has been on-going in Buvuma islands. Interviewed former trappers disclosed the high demand for live parrots in urban centers and towns on the mainland. It is believed, international traders tap into the illicit trade from the mainland by using agents in these islands. The black market for these birds is highly lucrative; $500 per live bird. High poverty levels in these communities with a purchasing power parity of < 1 $ per day are significant underlying drivers. This scenario poses a significant threat to the small remnant wild population of the African Grey Parrot on Buvuma islands.
Legal Protections:
Uganda is signatory to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). The National Law mandates the Uganda Wild Life Authority (UWA) (https://ugandawildlife.org/) to enforce and regulate any trade in threatened species. However, the authority is rather a centralized entity with minimum representation in areas where illegal harvests of species do actually take place. In remote island areas the African Grey Parrot harvests are un-regulated and un-recorded.
Conservation Initiatives:
There is an urgent need for conservation action of the endangered African Grey Parrot (P. erithacus) and its habitats. With support from Lush charity pot Grant (https://lush.versaic.com/), Hope Community Initiative-Buvuma (https://hcibuvuma.org/) is implementing a series of activities to conserve the remnant species’ populations and its habitat. This is the first conservation action in Buvuma islands, a hot spot of important bird species. The International Conference on Human-Wildlife Conflict and Coexistence (2023) emphasized the need to put people at the heart of human-wildlife conflicts, local communities are at the center of these on-going conservation efforts for the African Grey Parrot. We are increasing advocacy and awareness about the the plight of the target species and its survival in Buvuma group of islands and beyond. Figure 5 shows one of the posters pinned at public spaces: schools and community spaces to raise awareness.
Challenges in Conservation:
The porous nature of Buvuma islands impedes enforcement of capture, transportation and trading of the African Grey Parrot. Trappers use several tricks to go un-detected while transporting captured birds, for example, use of sedatives. Law enforcement teams find it very difficult to monitor and patrol lake waters at night yet parrot trappers tend to move during night time. Corruption within government agencies, law enforcement, and local communities has also contributed to the status quo. Many illegal traders and agents of the target species get apprehended but are hardly prosecuted in courts of law.
Success Stories:
Local communities have embraced on-going conservation awareness campaigns. Private land owners where remnant parrot nest-hosting trees have been found, have agreed to conserve them for the future despite the pressure from local charcoal burners and traders. 10 hectares of indigenous tree species have been restored in which 5050 tree seedlings have been replanted. The local leadership from the villages and the district have agreed in principle to include conservation activities in all Development plans of Lower Local Governments going forward. Mrs. Mary Bamundaga, accepted not to cut any of the 5 parrot nest hosting trees on her land holding at Buwanga Village, Buvuma Town Council-Buvuma islands.
We welcome more support from you dear readers and lovers of nature to contribute to on-going conservation efforts through donations, volunteering and spreading awareness of the plight of the beautiful bird-the African Grey Parrot.
Conclusion:
The African Grey Parrot’s future hangs in balance, with the pet trade and habitat loss pushing it closer to extinction. However, there is hope, as dedicated conservationists, organizations, and local leaders are working tirelessly to protect this incredible species. By understanding the challenges and supporting these efforts, we will help ensure that future generations can enjoy the presence of these intelligent and enchanting birds in the natural wild. Conservation of the African Grey Parrot is not just about saving a species; it’s about preserving the biodiversity of our planet and our connection to the natural world.