The World Parrot Trust is leading, collaborating on or funding new studies to collect updated data on the status of Grey Parrots (Psittacus erithacus) in the wild. Partnering with the Natural Encounters Conservation Fund, the WPT has funded research in Uganda that is uncovering the ecology, human-driven threats, people’s perception and conservation status of Grey Parrots in Mukono district, Uganda.

WPT’s Nigeria Coordinator Ifeanyi Ezenwa of WPT affiliate Parrot Conservation Trust-Nigeria conducted extensive research into the socioeconomic factors of trade and trade routes for live parrots and parrot parts. The project culminated in a workshop bringing together stakeholders from government, law enforcement, academia and NGOs in Nigeria and Cameroon.

In a WPT-Natural Encounters (NECF) funded project, a researcher from London Southbank University has uncovered Grey Parrot ecology, conservation status and people’s perceptions of the birds on Koome Island in Uganda. He mobilised communities, Mukono District Environment Officers, leaders and wildlife monitors to attend an awareness event for 150 people, drawing attention to the issues afflicting Greys. The workshop also provided residents with a means to exchange experiences and views on Greys, and their expectations from the meeting. Ssemambo and his team learned why the parrots are at threat, and that livelihoods for people living around the forested areas are being severely affected. Workshop participants learned of the potential positive impacts of conserving parrots, including ecotourism, participation in research studies and restoring forests for the benefit of people and wildlife. At its conclusion, a group of 10 farmers was selected to begin reforesting the area by planting over 160 native tree seedlings along the forest boundaries of Koome Village.

The team also trained select community monitors to use survey tools and data collection procedures. These monitors were taught Grey Parrot behaviour, ecology, habitat and diet.