Group Seeks Stronger Protection of Parrots in Nigeria

Wild Africa and the World Parrot Trust are urging stronger protections for parrots in Nigeria amid ongoing illegal trade. Recent law enforcement successes have raised hopes for conservation efforts. The groups emphasize the ecological importance of parrots and call for public awareness and legislation to support their protection.

In a push for enhanced conservation, the Wild Africa group alongside the World Parrot Trust is calling for stronger protections for parrots in Nigeria, timed with the celebration of World Parrot Day. The organizations issued a statement from their Nigerian representatives on Saturday, stressing the urgent need for action due to the ongoing illegal trade affecting various parrot species across the nation.

Highlighting the ecological significance of parrots, the groups reiterated that these vibrant birds are crucial for dispersing seeds and fostering forest regrowth. The African Grey Parrot, once common in Nigeria, is reportedly facing severe decline after years of exploitation, with factors like trapping and trafficking taking a heavy toll on their numbers.

Despite existing national and international regulations meant to shield parrots, ineffective enforcement persists, creating a thriving black market. Over the past four decades, it is estimated that around 1.2 million wild-caught grey parrots were traded internationally, with a shocking 40-60 percent perishing during the transportation phase.

Amid these concerning trends, some recent law enforcement actions in Nigeria have provided a glimmer of hope. Notably, in March of this year, the Nigeria Customs Service seized over 300 parrot heads, drawing both national and international recognition towards the atrocities associated with this trade. Moreover, officials from the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency reported several arrests of wildlife traffickers in Abuja found with live African Grey Parrots, among others.

Efforts to curb illegal trafficking also led to the rescue of 12 live grey parrots in a bus transport operation between Kaduna and Lagos, now rehabilitated at the Pandrillus Nigeria Drill Ranch. Dr. Mark Ofua, Wild Africa’s spokesperson for West Africa, emphasizes the importance of these parrots in maintaining healthy ecosystems, calling them keystone species whose population decline signals broader ecological issues.

On this World Parrot Day, Dr. Ofua urges society to recognize the vital roles these birds play. “Let’s honour their intelligence and resilience by protecting the forests they call home and the freedom they deserve,” he stated. Meanwhile, Mr. Ifeanyi Ezenwa, the Nigeria Country Coordinator for the World Parrot Trust, expressed concern for the grey parrot’s future, pointing out that public awareness of the exploitation impacting these birds is sorely lacking.

In light of ongoing issues, Nigeria has made strides in addressing wildlife preservation, exemplified by the introduction of the Endangered Species Conservation and Protection Bill. The organization is advocating for swift passage of this legislation, emphasizing its importance in fostering a stronger enforcement framework.

Furthermore, both Wild Africa and the World Parrot Trust plan to ramp up public education efforts aimed at curtailing the demand for parrots as pets, utilizing various media outlets for outreach. They call upon governments, business sectors, and the public to unite in actionable steps towards saving parrots from the brink of extinction. This collaboration is deemed vital before it is too late, as the threat to these majestic birds continues to grow.

In conclusion, the call from the Wild Africa group and the World Parrot Trust highlights a critical moment for parrot conservation in Nigeria. With illegal trade still prevalent despite laws to protect these birds, recent enforcement actions demonstrate some progress. However, raising public awareness and passing protective legislation remains crucial. Cooperation among all stakeholders is essential in safeguarding Nigeria’s parrot populations for the future.

Original Source: nannews.ng