The wild bird trade and African parrots: Past, present and future challenges

Citation

Martin R, Hart J, Bernard A, Salumu L, Abani R, Hart T, Maisels F & Strindberg S (2016) The wild bird trade and African parrots: Past, present and future challenges. 14th Pan African Ornithological Congress (PAOC 14)- Global changes: threats and opportunities for birds in Africa, Dakar, Senegal, 16.10.2016-21.10.2016. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1x2dyb4ZV8ajjb_11wfNLESyhyisjtn1UhVYBWupp8Io/edit

Abstract
Over a third of bird species are involved in international trade, with trapping for the pet trade affecting 10% of threatened birds globally. Several African parrots are among those traded in the highest volumes and trapping for the pet trade is the most commonly cited threat to Africa’s parrots. We consider patterns in trade in international trade of African parrots and its impact on wild populations, focusing particular attention on Grey parrots, one of the most widespread parrot species in Africa and one of the birds traded in the highest volumes under CITES. Recently documented collapses in wild populations of Grey parrots have prompted calls for a change in the framework regulating international trade in this species. We present data on the socio-economic dimensions of trade from a case-study at an emerging frontier in the trapping of Grey parrots in central Democratic Republic of Congo. Using multiple investigative approaches, including interviews with trappers and traders, direct observation of transactions and observation of shipments in transport hubs, we establish the structure of the commodity chain and identify key dynamics in the harvesting of the species. We consider this case study in the context of the parrot trade and discuss research needs for the development of evidence-based policy interventions to address the threat of the wild-bird trade to Africa’s parrots.