World Parrots Day - Why are parrots disappearing?

Parrots are among the world's most intelligent and traded wildlife species. In Nigeria, they are affected

by habitat loss, a bustling pet trade online, and wildlife markets for their parts. Their feathers are used in

traditional attire decoration as a symbol of status. In 2016, the Convention on International Trade in

Endangered Species (CITES) banned the trade of African Grey Parrots.

In 2023, the Nigeria Customs Service said its officers intercepted 105 parrots and other birds from

Katsina State to Benin Republic worth N24 million. This included 60 Green parrots, 14 Budgerigar

Parrots, six Eastern Rosella Parrots, two Macaw Parrots, one White Cockatoo Parrots, and four Rose

Ringed Parakeet Parrots.

Yet, the sale of Parrots continues unabated in Nigeria, which demands our immediate attention. They

are reportedly sold in a popular market in Lagos and paraded for sale on one of Nigeria’s most

prominent e-commerce stores, Jiji.

Every May 31st is World Parrot Day, which reminds us of parrots' crucial role in ecosystems and the

need to protect their habitats. Originating from various regions across the globe, parrots play an

essential role in their environment, helping to disperse seeds in forests and even aiding pollination.

Also, for this report, Ifeanyi Ezenwa, the Nigerian director of World Parrot Trust, an organization

working to protect parrots in Nigeria, will be interviewed. The conversation will explore the urgent plight

of parrots in Nigeria and the crucial steps we can take to reverse this trend and save them.