Target: John Scanlon, Secretary-General of CITES
Goal: Applaud decision to protect African grey parrots from the devastating international trade market.
One of the most illegally traded birds on the planet has finally received improved protection. An international summit consisting of 182 countries voted in favor of banning all international trade of the African grey parrot, whose numbers have been drastically dwindling.
In the past 40 years, over 2 million of the birds have been captured from the wild for use as domestic pets. Experts estimate that about 50% of captured birds die before reaching their destination. Consequently, populations have decreased significantly, fueling fears of extinction. Efforts to save the parrot have already been documented in this ForceChange petition.
The increased protection came about in Johannesburg, as almost 200 nations gathered for the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). After an intense debate, participating nations voted 95 to 35 in favor of granting the highest level of protection to the African grey parrot. All international trade of the bird has been banned, and captive-bred birds can only be traded with CITES approval.
This measure is certain to provide necessary protection for these endangered birds. Sign the petition below to thank CITES for their efforts to save this valuable bird.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Mr. Scanlon,
I am writing to express my relief and gratitude concerning the increased protections for the African grey parrot. The bird’s popularity as a domestic pet was threatening the survival of the species, but the recent decision to ban all international trade will help stop the needless imprisonment and death of millions of these precious creatures.
The decision by CITES proves that your organization is committed to saving this vulnerable bird. Thank you for your dedication, and I urge you to continue your efforts to save all animals from extinction.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo Credit: L. Miguel Bugallo Sánchez
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