Saving the Endangered African Grey Parrot (Psittacus erithacus): Untold Stories from Africa

Biology Seminar with Simon Tamungang of Calvin University

The Grey Parrot is acclaimed to be the most intelligent bird species in the world and its longevity, intelligence and ability to learn from humans, make it a highly sought-after pet in the international trade. Efforts to manage the exploitation of wild parrots sustainably are a major challenge in its endemic rainforests of West and Central Africa. The parrot is not only a wildlife species for ecosystem health and tourism promotion, but also, a political, mythical, cultural and socioeconomic bird species. Results of Simon’s research indicate that poorly adapted anthropogenic activities on a given landscape, adversely affect wildlife resilience through attenuations in population status, reduction of critical habitat resources, and biological diversity. His research has demonstrated that indices of critical ecological pressures on wildlife resources can be used for informed conservation policies for conservation management, ecosystem health and sustainable development.