A conservationist, Mr Andy Ehanire has decried the rapid disappearance of Nigeria’s parrots, particularly the African grey parrot, once a vibrant presence in the country’s rainforest region.
Mr Ehanire made the remark in a statement made available to TREND REPORTERS in Benin City on the heels of this year’s World Parrot Day.
Celebrated annually on 31st of May, World Parrot Day is set aside to raise awareness of the threat to wild and captive parrots around the world.
While calling for the preservation of the rainforest, which is Parrot’s natural habitat, he described parrot as a legendary bird renowned for making pleasant vocalisation of sounds including mimicking human speech.
Mr Ehanire further canvass for a stronger action and deeper collaboration to halt the decline of these intelligent, ecologically vital birds whose songs are being silenced by trafficking, habitat destruction, and neglect.
The statement noted that Parrots are not just admired for their brilliant plumage or ability to mimic human speech but are keystone species—intelligent, social, and crucial to the ecosystems they inhabit.
It stressed that by dispersing seeds across vast forested areas, they promote growth and regeneration of trees, thereby contributing significantly to environmental balance and climate resilience.
The statement called on Nigerians to honour the intelligence and resilience of Parrots by protecting the forests they call home and the freedom they deserve.
