By Innocent Onoh
As the world marks World Parrot Day on May 31st, conservationists are sounding the alarm over the rapid disappearance of Nigeria’s parrots, particularly the African grey parrot, once a vibrant presence in the country’s lush rainforests.
This year’s commemoration carries an urgent tone. Two leading wildlife organisations—Wild Africa and the World Parrot Trust—have called for stronger action and deeper collaboration to halt the decline of these intelligent, ecologically vital birds whose songs are being silenced by trafficking, habitat destruction, and neglect.
Parrots are not just admired for their brilliant plumage or uncanny ability to mimic human speech. These birds are keystone species—intelligent, social, and crucial to the ecosystems they inhabit. By dispersing seeds across vast forested areas, they promote the growth and regeneration of trees, contributing significantly to environmental balance and climate resilience.
“Their decline reflects the health of entire ecosystems,” said Dr. Mark Ofua, Wild Africa’s West Africa spokesperson. “Parrots are more than just brilliant colours and clever mimicry—they are vital ambassadors of our planet’s wild places. On World Parrot Day, let’s honour their intelligence and resilience by protecting the forests they call home and the freedom they deserve.”
Despite their ecological value and legal protection, parrots remain prime targets for wildlife traffickers, driven by demand for exotic pets. The African grey parrot, classified as endangered, is among the hardest hit. Studies show that over 1.2 million wild-caught grey parrots have entered the global pet trade in the last four decades. With an estimated 40–60% mortality rate during capture and transport, conservationists warn that up to three million may have perished in the process.
This illegal trade continues in Nigeria despite national and international laws. However, recent months have shown glimmers of progress. In March 2025, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) made headlines after intercepting over 300 parrot heads, a grim reminder of the brutality parrots face.
Further breakthroughs followed. In May, officials from the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) and the National Park Service (NPS) arrested three wildlife traffickers in Abuja with live African grey parrots in their possession. In April, Nigeria Special Wildlife Officers (NSWO) seized 12 live grey parrots being illegally transported between Kaduna and Lagos. The rescued birds are now undergoing rehabilitation at Pandrillus Nigeria Drill Ranch.
For many Nigerian communities, parrots are more than just wildlife—they are part of the cultural and spiritual fabric. Revered for their beauty, mimicry, and association with storytelling, parrots have featured in folklore, festivals, and traditional beliefs. Their decline signals not only an ecological loss but also a diminishing cultural heritage.
“Many people are still unaware of how the exploitation of parrots is destroying our natural legacy,” said Ifeanyi Ezenwa, Nigeria Country Coordinator of the World Parrot Trust. “It’s encouraging to see agencies step up enforcement, but long-term conservation depends on public awareness and local engagement.”
Economics of Conservation
Parrots also represent a potential economic asset. In countries where ecotourism thrives, parrot watching has become a sustainable source of income for communities. Nigeria, with its diverse species and rainforest reserves, could similarly benefit from investing in parrot conservation and eco-friendly tourism.
Yet, to unlock these economic benefits, stronger protections and habitat preservation efforts are essential. This includes ensuring the quick passage of the Endangered Species Conservation and Protection Bill, which has passed its second reading in Nigeria’s National Assembly.
Call for Stronger Collaborations
Wild Africa and the World Parrot Trust stress that protecting parrots is a shared responsibility. Governments must enforce laws and pass urgent legislation. Communities need to be educated on the dangers of keeping wild parrots as pets. Businesses must support sustainable practices that do not endanger biodiversity. And individuals can raise their voices, just as parrots once did, to stand up for the environment.
“Our research shows that Grey parrots in Nigeria are in serious trouble,” Ezenwa said. “We must act now—through education, enforcement, and empathy—to ensure these magnificent birds remain part of our landscape.”
Both organisations are amplifying their advocacy through radio, television, billboards, and print media, encouraging a united front to save Nigeria’s parrots from extinction.
This World Parrot Day, as conservationists reflect on the role of parrots in our ecosystems and culture, the message is clear: Nigeria’s parrots are vanishing, and urgent, united action is needed to save them.
Let their voices echo through the forests once more—not as fading memories but as vibrant symbols of life, nature, and resilience.
If we protect the parrots, we protect our forests. If we protect our forests, we protect our future.