03/27/2026
African Grey Parrots, long targeted by the international pet trade, are now fully protected by law in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), one of the species’ key strongholds. The national decree makes it a criminal offence to capture, possess, sell, transport, or kill these birds—a landmark move hailed as one of Africa’s biggest wildlife wins.
African Grey Parrots are one of the world's most heavily trafficked parrot species.
Known for being intelligent and sociable, with the ability to mimic human speech, African Grey Parrots have been driven to the brink of extinction due to trapping and habitat loss. Conservationists warn that decades of illegal trade and weak enforcement have devastated wild populations.
“This is a hugely significant step towards safeguarding the species across vast swathes of the Congo Basin, where trapping has devastated wild populations. However, there remains work to be done. Law enforcement and surveillance must be ramped up to ensure this legislation is effective,” said Dr. Rowan Martin, Director of Africa Region and Bird Trade Programmes at WPT.
After wild populations collapsed in West Africa, most African Grey Parrots in the pet trade came from the DRC. Even though the birds has a designation with the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora banning international commercial trade, DRC’s reservation to the listing and weak national laws have allowed illegal exports to continue.
Mortality rates of 65–70% along the trade chain meant that for every parrot exported, two more were captured but did not survive. With such overexploitation the species is threatened with extinction.
Persistent advocacy by NGOs has been critical. Regional bans in three provinces of the DRC set the stage for this national decree, demonstrating the power of dedicated conservation work.
“This legislation sends a clear signal to wildlife traffickers that trading these parrots will not be tolerated—whether done online or in person. A holistic approach is the only solution,” said Christian Plowman, Wildlife Cybercrime Program Manager at IFAW. “Buyers and would-be buyers of these animals need to understand the untold damage and suffering caused by their demand.”
While the decree marks a major victory, experts caution that enforcement will be key, and traffickers may attempt to shift tactics to other parrot species. Conservationists continue to push for full protection of related species, tighter controls, and stronger oversight at airports and trade hubs.
This historic ruling shows that persistent advocacy, science, and global cooperation can protect even the most threatened and trafficked wildlife—but it also reminds us that vigilance is essential. 🦜💚
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Sources: World Parrot Trust, IFAW
