Abstract
The study was initiated to gather data on nest preferences of the Grey Parrot in Cameroon. Knowledge on nesting preferences of the parrot can be implemented in the field and captivity to improve on the breeding of Grey Parrots. The Kom National Park-Mengame Gorilla Sanctuary complex was chosen as a representative site in the country. A total of 40 sample plots of size 200 m x 200 m were randomly established and distributed to represent major vegetation types in the area. Line transects were established in each sample plot and data on nest characteristics were collected along them. Results revealed that nests were found in 14 tree species belonging to 12 families with high preferences for Terminalia superba (84%). Nest density varied between 0.23 to 0.45 nests/ha in various vegetation types and the highest density was recorded in the secondary forest. Nests entrance varied with a mean length of 13.2 ± 6.0 cm and a majority of them were rounded (85.42%) in shape. Nest concealment varied with tree height, 35.4 ± 6.1 m); trunk diameter, 90.8 ± 23,6 cm; height of nest from the ground 22.1 ± 6.4 m and canopy diameter,18.0 ± 6.1 m. Most nests of Grey Parrots were found in secondary forest (32.72%). The Grey Parrots tolerated degraded vegetation with suitable nests in nearby villages and were not, threatened through hunting and poaching activities from villagers. It strongly recommended that, villagers should learn to co-habitat with the Grey Parrot in their villages to enhance long-term survival of the bird species in the wild. Key words: Grey Parrot, Psittacus erithacus, grey parrot nest, nest site, nest characteristics, parrot conservation.
Highlights
The endemic range of the Grey Parrot (Psittacus erithacus) covers a surface area of about 3 000 000 km2 corresponding to approximately the area of the African rainforest and the surrounding woody savannah (ClavaudBesson,1996).The species generally are found within the rainforest ecosystem in Central and West Africa and
To reduce the surface area of the study a more detailed study was carried out in the proposed Kom National Park (KNP) and the adjacent Mengame Gorilla Sanctuary (MGS) Complex which has more varied vegetation representing major vegetation types that can be found in the Grey Parrot range in the South Region of Cameroon
Cavities were observed on many tree species in the study area and those associated with the Grey Parrot identified and carefully monitored for confirmation
Summary
The Grey Parrot is a secondary cavity nester since it cannot excavate its own nest. A primary cavity nester like the woodpecker excavates a cavity and uses it for a nest (Fry et al, 1988). Sustainable population growth of the Grey Parrot its endemic range depends on the availability of suitable nest cavities for active population recruitment (Martin, 1993)
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