African Grey Parrot: In December 2016, the International Union of Concerned Naturalists revealed that 11 percent of newly discovered bird species were already threatened and changed the status of others, such as the African Grey Parrot, from "vulnerable" to "endangered." Highly intelligent and capable of mimicking human speech, the African Grey Parrot's population has shrunk by as much as 99 percent in some places because of habitat loss and trapping. Perhaps the most famous member of this species was Alex, the subject of intelligence studies at Harvard and Brandeis universities who, when he died in 2007, knew more than 100 English words.
From: http://www.motherjones.com/environme...-to-watch-2017IUCN Red List assessments also reveal that some of the world's most popular birds may soon disappear in the wild if appropriate action isn't taken. Iconic species, such as the African grey parrot (Psittacus erithacus) – a prized pet with the ability to mimic human speech – are facing extinction in the wild due to unsustainable trapping and habitat loss. Native to central Africa, the grey parrot has seen its conservation status deteriorate from Vulnerable to Endangered. A study led by BirdLife International discovered that in some parts of the continent numbers of grey parrots have declined by as much as 99%.
From: http://www.iucnredlist.org/current-news
My concern (based upon what is happening):
There is no question that man has ravaged the animal kingdom. Many (if not all) proposed solutions to dwindling species populations seem unworkable due to a lack of global unity. The remaining option seems to be enactment of legislation that threatens to impose unthinkable devastation upon protected species already in captivity as loving pets, certainly along with their current owners. Such a horrific outcome might easily stem from the sheer ignorance and apathy among protection body organizations and lawmakers concerning the potential consequences that banning various species from general possession without including a grandfather clause may impose. Just to be perfectly clear, I am speaking of the potential for forced, state-sanctioned euthanasia upon existing beloved pets of certain species. Without a grandfather clause, and with no prearranged government facilities and the necessary funding available to house and maintain the number of protected/endangered pets already in captivity, it follows that, if confiscated, the destruction of these animals may ensue. I can only hope that the avian community (as well as other species supporting groups) will quickly structure themselves and organize the needed strategies to fight against imposition of this very devastating, and very possible outcome. Please don't think it can never occur!