Over 120 parrots were intercepted by Uganda Wildlife Authority in collaboration with Conserv Congo, International Fund for Animal Welfare, World Parrot Fund, and the Wildlife Trust of Inda that were seized in the Democratic Republic of Congo from an international trafficking kingpin.
The trafficker, who is a 35-year-old DRC citizen has been identified as a key player in the trafficking of birds, especially African greys and many other protected species to Asian countries, including but not limited to India and Bangladesh.
The suspect transported two large cases full of birds through the DRC, and then across the Congo-Uganda border using fake CITES documents and corruption as his tools of trade.
The suspect is linked to many other regional and international wildlife trafficking networks and has been placed in custody, awaiting his trial and the parrots have been sent to a place of safety in a sanctuary.
It should be remembered that even though the DRC has been under moratorium since 2016 pertaining to the exportation of African greys, as many as 12,000 birds are exported illegally every year from the country, either on fake permits or passed as other species, which are not prohibited for international trade.
Most of these are transported towards South Africa and Asia as their final destination. A parrot can cost up to 500 US dollars in some countries.
This case is an epitome of what synergy can bring to the fight against the scourge of wildlife trafficking in Africa. Local, regional and international bodies worked together for almost a year to make this important arrest!
Bravo to the collaboration!
Conserv Congo is a non-profit conservation working on the front lines against wildlife poaching and trafficking. To help ensure their mission to save and protect endangered species, please consider making a donation to their cause. Below is a link to a fundraiser for Conserv Congo:
To learn about Conserv Congo, you can visit them here;
https://www.facebook.com/conservcongo/
https://conservcongo.wordpress.com
