Variation in Habitat Utilization and Population Size Estimation of the African Grey Parrots in the Djangui Forest Clearing, Lobéké National Park, Cameroon

Abstract

Due to the problems (pet trade, habitat destruction, and degradation) faced by the grey parrots ( Psittacus erithacus ), which seem to persist despite conservation efforts, there is a need for long-term monitoring data on the parrot’s population and factors that shape their behavior in the wild. The objectives of this article are to 1) examine the population size of grey parrots in the Djangui forest clearing of the Lobéké National Park; 2) examine the yearly, seasonal, and diurnal variations in the habitat utilization of the grey parrots. To do so, we used distance sampling from a fixed point and direct observation to monitor the grey parrots visiting the Djangui forest clearing. The hazard-rate model with a 2-order cosine adjustment showed an average of 2230.2 parrots visited the forest clearing. The Generalized Additive Model showed a yearly, seasonal, and diurnal drop in the abundance of parrots visiting the Djangui forest clearing, with more parrots arriving during the mid-wet season. It also showed that the landing pattern was influenced by the time of day and the weather. We also found interspecific relationships between the parrots and other species that visited the forest clearing. This study provides baseline data which could be used to implement conservation actions to better protect the grey parrots both in the Lobéké National Park and the Tri-National Area. We recommend further research on their movement patterns within the park and integration of local ecological knowledge.