Three suspected wildlife traffickers, including a Ghanaian national, have been arrested in Bertoua, Cameroon for the illegal possession and trafficking of African grey parrots.
The trio were arrested during an operation conducted by officials from the East Regional Delegation of Forestry and Wildlife, with technical assistance from the wildlife enforcement body, the Last Great Ape Organisation (LAGA).
The suspects were found with 60 African grey parrots, which were being carried in the boot of a black Toyota Prado—a government service vehicle belonging to a Divisional Officer (DO). The arrests took place as they attempted to sell the birds.
Among those arrested is the brother of the DO whose car was used to transport the parrots. It is alleged the official vehicle was used to provide a cover of impunity and conceal the birds during their transport from Messok in the Upper Nyong Division to the East Regional capital, Bertoua. Sources close to the investigation, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated this was their modus operandi for trafficking wildlife products. According to the same sources, the parrots had been captured and held in a small village approximately 25 km from Messok.
The three are believed to belong to a criminal ring, with each member having a specified role in the illegal trade. The Ghanaian national, who has links to major parrot traffickers, was reportedly in charge of capturing and feeding the parrots in captivity, while the others assisted with feeding, transportation, and finding buyers.
The African grey parrot is predominantly grey with a black bill. Its head and wings are generally darker than the body, with feathers edged in white. It also has distinctive red tail feathers. Native to Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Congo, Gabon, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Kenya, and Uganda, it is widely regarded as one of the world’s most intelligent birds, with the ability to mimic human speech and other sounds.
In 2016, the African grey parrot was uplisted to Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), affording it the highest level of protection and prohibiting all commercial international trade. Therefore, under Cameroon’s 2024 wildlife law, the three suspects could face imprisonment of up to 20 years and/or a fine of up to 50 million CFA francs if found guilty.
