African Grey Parrots’ status was upgraded to “Appendix I”.

In a meeting held in Johannesburg in September 2016, the U.N.s Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) has banned the global trade in wild African Grey Parrots. The species is highly prized as pet for its ability to imitate human speech all over the worlds. The legal and illegal trade of African Grey Parrots has led to a decline of almost 90% in population over the last two decades. The decisions to place the species in “Appendix I” was taken on the first ever secret ballot of CITES members, during the two-week long convention. This decision is non-binding for the domestic markets of birds as CITES only regulates international trade in wild flora and fauna.

Inclusion in “Appendix I” is in the best interests of the conservation of the species as it faces both habitat loss and rampant illegal and unsustainable trade for the international pet trade, said vice president and head of the Wildlife Conservation Society delegation Susan Lieberman.

African Greys, usually bred in captivity and sold as pets were first listed on “Appendix II” in 1981, which includes species which trade must be limited.

Loss of habitat, poor regulation of trade and increased trafficking for the pet industry are the main reasons for the decline of these magnificent birds.

Breeding and trading of African Grey Parrots in captivity could continue under the guidelines of the convention, which regulates trade in more than 35,000 species of animals and plants.

Image source: http://voices.nationalgeographic.com/

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