Protecting Grey Parrots in the Mpem & Djim National Park
Conservation focus:
Grey Parrot
Scientific name:
Psittacus erithacus
Scientific classification:
Birds, Psittaciformes, Psittacidae
IUCN status:
EDGE status:
EN (endangered)
Score 5.2, rank 92 / 662 EDGE birds
Threatened evolutionary history:
9.6 million years
Conservation priority by EDGE rank / ecosystem
Why it matters
This project aims to protect a rapidly declining seed disperser of West African forests and savanna through innovative acoustic tracking. Little is known about its natural behaviour and activities, in part because these shy birds are very difficult to study in the wild. Also, there is little research funding to change this. However, the Grey parrot is one of the most popular avian pets in Europe, the United States, the Middle East and now China. But fans of wild pets often destroy what they love. Between 1994 and 2003, more than 359,000 grey parrots were traded on the international market. Approximately 21% of the wild population was being harvested every year (!), making humans by far the largest threat to this species. Roughly 2 of 3 captured Grey parrots die before they even reach the market.
Since the species concentrates in traditional nesting, roosting, drinking and mineral lick sites, it is especially vulnerable to trapping pressure. It is also hunted for its meat and body parts, which are used in traditional "medicines". On top of this comes habitat loss through deforestation and disturbance. The loss of large trees with nesting cavities may be particularly detrimental.
High time to oppose the overkill, which is ongoing even in protected areas!
Project fast facts
Focal species' population trend
Decreasing
Local conservation attention
Low
Range / Project area
Ecological role
The Grey parrot is a critical seed dispersing and seed predating bird species. It plays a role in forest regeneration and sustaining plant diversity, as it facilitates forest succession and stability by dispersing seeds over long distances. This species is an indicator of the overall health and maturity of a forested area. It is often referred to as an important keystone and flagship species for maintaining ecosystem integrity.
Threats
Grey parrots are subject to multiple threats in Mpem & Djim National Park. Habitat loss due to illegal logging, farming, agricultural encroachment, and livestock grazing reduces their nesting and foraging potential. Poaching and trapping for the pet trade severely diminish the local population. Pastoralism and livestock grazing can substantially degrade nesting forests and further disturb forest habitats. Burning bush, usually associated with land clearing, destroys fruit trees and nesting cavities. The fragmentation of forests isolates subpopulations, increasing their vulnerability. Illegal harvesting of wood removes the species of trees valuable to parrots, while ineffective law enforcement and limited public awareness put further threats to conservation. These cumulative pressures threaten the Grey Parrot and the ecological integrity of Mpem &Djim’s tropical ecosystem.
Grant
First awarded:
GBP 3'500
1 December 2025
Score 5.2, rank 92 / 662 EDGE birds
Programme owner
Christian Tchana (La Rochelle), Martim Melo (Cibio), HERP Cameroon
Programme contact
Dr. Alain Simeu Noutchom
Project location
West Africa, Cameroon
Mpem et Djim Protected area, Cameroon
Addressing the need: Project goals
Assess Grey parrot populations, map critical habitats, reduce threats through awareness campaigns for local communities, and build local capacity and opportunities.
Assess parrot populations through autonomous recording units (SwiftOne).
Map critical habitats using georeferenced acoustic data.
Reduce threats through awareness campaigns for local communities
Build local capacity and opportunities through workshops.
Conservation actions
This project aims to make a real difference in conserving the African Grey Parrot by gathering reliable data on its population and habitat through passive acoustic monitoring. The maps we create will highlight crucial nesting and feeding spots, helping us focus our protection and habitat management efforts in the park. By raising community awareness and getting people involved, we can tackle threats like bushfires, deforestation, and poaching. Plus, training local staff and young researchers will help ensure we have the capacity for ongoing monitoring. In the end, this project will enhance both science-based and community-driven efforts to protect this amazing species.
Native to equatorial Africa, this endangered parrot dwells in dense forests, at forest edges and in more open vegetation. Populations are globally decreasing.
Grey parrots are monogamous breeders nesting in tree cavities. Each pair needs its own old-growth tree, making the species highly vulnerable to logging.
The SwiftOne device allows for acoustic monitoring of Grey Parrots.
Native to equatorial Africa, this endangered parrot dwells in dense forests, at forest edges and in more open vegetation. Populations are globally decreasing.