African Grey Parrots Gain Full Legal Protection

The Democratic Republic of Congo has banned the capture, sale, and transport of African Grey parrots, a landmark decree to protect one of the world’s most trafficked bird species.

“This legislation sends a clear signal to wildlife traffickers that trading these parrots will not be tolerated … we must remain vigilant,” says Christian Plowman, Wildlife Cybercrime Program Manager at IFAW.

Under the July 31, 2025, decree (Ministerial Decree 956), these highly intelligent parrots — known for mimicking human speech — now enjoy complete legal protection in the DRC, their native stronghold. Between 1982 and 2001 alone, over 1.3 million African Greys were captured for the pet trade, and tragically, up to 66% of them died before even reaching the market. This bold legal step aligns national law with global standards like the CITES Appendix I listing, providing authority to enforce protections directly where they are most needed. While enforcement will be key, this move heralds a vital victory in the fight against wildlife trafficking and for the future of a beloved species.