In a major win for wildlife conservation, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has officially granted full legal protection to the African Grey Parrot, one of the world’s most intelligent, social, and tragically, most threatened parrot species in the world. This vital step means that it is now a criminal offense in the DRC to capture, possess, kill, sell, or transport African Grey Parrots.
This legislative milestone is the result of years of relentless advocacy by conservation NGOs, whose tireless campaigning has finally achieved success. It also aligns the DRC with international conservation commitments, particularly the decisions and recommendations set forth by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
The African Grey Parrot, native to the dense rainforests of central and western Africa, including the DRC, is famed for its exceptional intelligence and ability to mimic human speech. These qualities have sadly made them popular in the exotic pet trade, but that popularity has come at a devastating cost.
“This legislation sends a clear signal to wildlife traffickers that trading these parrots will not be tolerated – whether done online or in person. While this is a positive step, we know that traffickers are becoming increasingly sophisticated at finding new ways to conceal their activities. This is something we are already seeing through our wildlife cybercrime work, so we must remain vigilant,” said Christian Plowman, Wildlife Cybercrime Program Manager, International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW).
“A holistic approach is the only solution. Online platforms must step up to prevent the trade from happening on their sites, and buyers and would-be buyers of these animals need to understand the untold damage and suffering that is caused by their demand,” continued Plowman.
Over the past few decades, African Grey Parrots have faced rampant trapping and smuggling. At the peak of the trade, hundreds of thousands were stolen from the wild, stuffed into cramped cages, and exported illegally, often with high mortality rates during transport. Habitat loss due to deforestation and human encroachment further exacerbated their decline, leaving populations fragmented and severely reduced. In some regions, wild populations have collapsed entirely.
The DRC’s new legal protections mark a pivotal moment in reversing this decline. By making it a criminal offense to exploit the species in any form, the government is sending a strong message: the era of unchecked animal exploitation is over.
While challenges remain, including effective enforcement, curbing demand, and rehabilitating decimated populations, the full legal protection of African Grey Parrots in the DRC represents hope. It is a critical victory not only for the birds themselves but for the broader global movement to end the illegal wildlife trade.
