Linking population size to conservation needs of the Grey Parrot in Cameroon

Abstract

Unsustainable exploitation of the wild Grey Parrot is a complex and challenging phenomenon for governments and international organizations to tackle. The need to reverse the negative impacts of exploitation on the Grey Parrot population and to conserve it for future generations formed the basis of this study. Population data on the Grey Parrot in Cameroon were obtained using the point count method with two counting bands (r = 0 - 25 m and r = 25 m - ∞). Parrot densities ranged from 0.50 parrots/km2in the Littoral Region to 2.16 parrots/km2 in the South Region, with a mean for the five regions where nearly all the parrots occur at 1.26 parrots/km2. By multiplying these regional density estimates of forest cover within each region, a national population size range of 164376 – 251231 parrots was estimated. Regional conservation status of the Grey Parrot was described using the Cameroon classification system of wildlife threats. Emerging conservation challenges and mitigation measures for sustainable management of the bird are proposed. Key words: Cameroon, conservation status, Grey Parrot, Psittacus erithacus, population size.