Smuggled African grey parrots set free
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E-mail Xinhua, July 12, 2013
Wildlife authorities in July 2011 released over 200 formally captured African grey parrots to the wild six months after they were captured from illegal traders in Uganda's district of Wakiso bordering the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The parrots which are mainly found in rainforests in western and central Africa are popular with pet owners.
People are captivated by their beautiful colors, gentle nature and ability to mimic humans.
Wildlife conservationists say that the demand for the birds could be threatening their very existence.
Under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species, only limited numbers of parrots can be moved or traded.
This means that the birds are threatened and would become endangered if trade and destruction of the tropical rain forests are not curtailed.
Despite the warning, smugglers continue trading in the birds targeting lucrative European and Asian markets.
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