Rowan Martin, PhD

Fighting for African Grey parrots!

Nov 24, 2017

Next week countries from around the world will gather in Geneva to discuss ways to manage the global trade in endangered wildlife. On the agenda is the trade in African Grey and Timneh Parrots following the decision by CITES to end legal international trade in wild parrots last year. This was a...

South Africa’s Cape parrots recognised as a separate species

Jun 16, 2017

The taxonomy of one of South Africa’s most iconic birds, the ‘Green and Gold’ Cape Parrot, appears finally to be settled, with various national, regional, and international bodies reaching consensus that they should be considered a distinct species. 

'Cape parrots', which will be known as ...

Endangered African parrots seized from illegal trade

Feb 16, 2017

Last month two seizures of wild Timneh parrots in illegal trade were made in Liberia and taken to a purpose-built facility at Libassa Wildlife Sanctuary. The birds have responded well to emergency medical treatment and are already showing signs of recovery after their stressful ordeal, according to...

Ban on trade in wild Grey parrots comes into effect

Jan 03, 2017

2017 starts on a positive note for parrots as the transfer of Grey parrots to Appendix I of CITES comes into effect. This new listing, which was voted on by the international community in October last year, brings about an end to all international trade in wild-sourced Grey parrots (Psittacus...