This link is another sad but worthwhile read...
African grey parrot bust in the DRC - Africa Geographic
This article dispels two common myths,
Myth 1 is that the South African breeding and export inductry is not part of the problem. They ARE, in fact, the problem. The markets (South African Breeding Farms) had long been exploiting wild populations thereby driving local extinctions, for one, by greatly exceeding importation quotas of wild birds as a means of securing ready-made breeding stock. The effects of this on AG populations in the wild are the reason Greys are now listed on Appendix I.
The entire commercial breeding industry in South Africa is overrun by organized crime where breeders who do not use wild caught breeding stock can not compete. Using wild-caught breeders is less expensive and much easier than raising and caring for a captive bred Grey for the many years it takes to reach the age of reproductive readiness. Because of legal access to wild greys importation numbers from their native ranges into South Africa (to supply growing numbers of bird mills) were driving local populations to extinction. Research articles on this on the World Parrot Trust website or Google search "African Grey Mafia" for more information. Experts in the field agree that the illegal activities of the aviculture industry in SA had the species headed toward extinction if something wasn't done.
Quoting Simon Espley of Africa Geographic,
"My understanding is that the trade in wild-caught grey parrots is largely driven by breeders – who breed for sale to the captive trade. There are enormous breeding factory operations that have sprung up, to satisfy this market. Wild-caught birds still have that instinct and edge to breed, and this, combined with how cheap they are, makes them ideal for this industry. The wild-caught birds are hammered for a few years to produce as many eggs as possible and then either killed or sold into the captive bird trade (necessitating a constant flow of fresh breeding stock from the wild). Methods used to ensure maximum output and minimum cost are barbaric and cruel.
Myth 2 is that local villagers profit from trapping as it's the only means they have to feed their families, etc.
"The parrot trade in DR Congo has developed into a make-believe legality. Restrictions are side-stepped, re-interpreted and never literally applied. As unstoppable as an afternoon shadow, the disappearance of African greys spreads over Congo’s forests. Certain provinces have already lost their colonies and profitability. Collectors and commissioners move to neighbouring forests. In Maniema and Tshopo provinces, the parrot commerce is run by people from the Sankuru and Equator provinces where the parrot forests are now nearly empty. These immigrant collectors climb to take parrots from roosts in Maniema where
local villagers have no idea of the value."
If one feels like being generous this holiday season there are organizations such as the WPT, WCS and WWF that are working with local govts. to keep African Grey parrots in the wild, flying free!
