What is the PTCA
Parrot Tree Caretakers Association (PCTA) is a community-based organization that was founded in 2020 by Nick Byaba, together with local farmers in his area, growing and protecting oil palm trees as the most favourable feeding trees for grey parrots. The PTCA is a registered organization at town council level with the registration number CBS/BTC/204/2023 and a certificate of recognition.
The PTCA unites the local farmers who are growing and protecting feeding trees for grey parrots and other wildlife within the region, sharing the vision of a just world for humans and wildlife and the mission to be the leading caretakers and stewards of parrots in their natural environment.
Nick explaining about Parrot Tree Caretakers Association
Rose and Rodger selecting parrot seedlings for planting in their Gardens that were given as a donation
What we have achieved so far
As the PTCA, we are proud to be taking part in the conservation of the endangered grey parrots together with other stakeholders and well-wishers.
Here are some of our achievements:
- Tree planting Project Over 6,000 indigenous tree seedlings have been planted by the farmers around Kibale Forest and all are doing well. The already existing 36 oil palm trees, African tulip trees and lucky bean trees have been protected by the local farmers within five different villages. Since they know the value of these trees to conservation, they protect them rather than use them as fuel or timber, and look forward to planting other additional trees.
- Attacking the conservation challenge from the roots. We have visited four schools, teaching the children about general conservation and parrots in particular. We found arguments for parrot posters to help in the sensitization of the local communities and schools.
- Monitoring of the feeding sites and flyways of grey parrots has been constant with the help of enthusiastic local guides who record the behaviours of parrots to help in future conservation. Monitoring of the integration of the 58 newly released grey parrots with the resident parrots in order to follow up on their success back in the wild.
Acknowledgements
With much honour, I appreciate the impact and support of the following people towards the PTCA and the personal support given to me and gearing the conservation of parrots.
Firstly, I am grateful to the local farmers for embracing the idea of protecting and planting more food trees for the parrots. Secondly, the local leaders who supported our endeavours with parrot conservation. Finally, I appreciate the park management, the warden, and the ecological monitoring and research for their tireless support and recognition of my work as the chairperson of the PTCA.
