Program: Timneh Parrot Program
The Timneh Parrot Is native to the western parts of the moist Upper Guinea forests and bordering savannas of West Africa extending from the Bijagós islands of Guinea-Bissau eastwards through southern Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia and Côte d’Ivoire.
Heavy trapping for the wild bird trade (199,070 individuals exported from 2005-2014) and habitat loss (up to 77%) have caused Timneh Parrots to severely decline. The largest populations are thought to be in Côte d’Ivoire and Liberia, although it has vanished on Mt Nimba and the East Nimba Nature Reserve in Liberia. Local people are reporting seeing them less.
The World Parrot Trust has played a central role in advancing conservation for the Timneh Parrot through the following efforts:
Rescue, rehabilitation, and release of confiscated birds
Supported the return of illegally captured Timneh Parrots to the wild, including a major release with authorities in Guinea in 2013.Field research and population monitoring
Conducted vital ecological surveys across West Africa (Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Côte d’Ivoire) to gather data on nesting, roosting, habitat use, and threats from trade and deforestation.Community-based conservation and outreach
Engaged local communities by training former poachers as nest guardians, forming school wildlife clubs, encouraging “parrot champions,” and delivering widespread awareness campaigns and enforcement training.Policy and international protection
Played a leading role in securing the 2016 CITES Appendix I uplisting of the Timneh Parrot, helping eliminate legal international commercial trade in the species.
Timneh Parrots are getting increased protection and support thanks to collaborative projects and prompt actions.
Find out how the World Parrot Trust is supporting the Timneh Parrot Program.
