On the surface, African Grey parrots may seem like fun, cute pets. They're incredibly smart, can remember more than a hundred words, and are phenomenal at mimicking human voices.
But the international trade in African Grey parrots is driving these iconic birds toward the brink of extinction in the wild. Sign the petition to ban this trade now.
African Greys are the most-traded wild birds in the entire world. Once common throughout Africa, it is estimated that more than three million of these parrots have been snatched from their habitats in an attempt to sell them as pets. In Ghana alone, a recent study estimated that the Grey population has dropped as much as 90 to 99 percent.
Despite these catastrophic population losses, the parrot trade still remains legal in many countries.
But that could all change soon. The Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) is scheduled to meet in just a few weeks to determine the fate of several African species, including the African Grey parrot. One proposal on the table would create a total ban on the trade of all parrots captured in the wild.
According to the Director of the World Parrot Trust, a US-based conservation organization, such a ban would be "the most important action that can be implemented to help save the species in the wild."
African Grey parrots have already been almost completely wiped out in many of their native areas. This cannot continue. Act now to save these unique animals! Sign here to urge CITES to implement a total ban on the horrific wild parrot trade.
Thank you,
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Miranda B. The Care2 Petitions Team |
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