The African Grey Parrot is on the verge of extinction in Kenya, but this time it is not the climate or pollution that is threatening it, but the not-so-secret trade, i.e. in the sunlight of the internet.
This diminutive specimen is loved for its gentleness, and for being an ornament and companion in the home, without cluttering it up.
During a census of this particular bird species in Kenya, which should enjoy the highest level of protection in the world, the International Union for Conservation of Nature discovered a flourishing illegal trade in grey parrots, which are treated just like normal pets. Their sale is disguised as trade in other species of aviary birds, and smugglers deliver them in anonymous boxes or even in small bags, often travelling by public transport to deliver the goods, even when exporting them via border agreements.  
In Kenya, the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) does not grant permits to keep the African grey parrot at home, but online trafficking confirms that sales have been going on for some time in defiance of treaties and controls. This is despite the fact that the penalties for the illegal parrot trade are heavy: three to seven years' imprisonment. To which can be added further convictions for cybercrime.
With such brazenness (adding to the price the fees for transport from Mombasa or Nairobi) some traffickers put the birds up for sale on popular portals such as Kijiji and pyjamas.com, selling them for about $300 each.
It was in this way that conservationists in contact with Cites discovered one of the many sellers and are convinced that they will be able to trace whoever is running the bulk of this trade.
Pretending to be interested in buying, they had the 'package' delivered by bus from Mombasa to Nairobi.
The fake buyer asked the sellers if a special permit was needed to keep them, and was told that permits do not exist, although he was advised not to tell anyone that the parrot had been purchased, but to declare in case of checks that it was a gift from a friend, because the trade is not 'completely' legal.
Thus three sales outlets have already been identified, in addition to Mombasa, also Naivasha and Thika.
At this point one wonders how many other cyber crimes affecting Kenya's wildlife and nature can be quietly perpetrated without anyone checking and noticing.
"Cybercrime against wildlife is a breeding ground that needs urgent attention before it explodes out of all proportion,' said Katto Wambua, a criminal justice consultant who has been working on the cases. 'Criminals are exploiting the internet, a system for which an awareness campaign is needed. Investigators do not yet have the capacity to investigate these crimes and press charges.
As if that were not enough, there is the so-called 'dark web', the undergrowth of the internet where ivory, valuable skins and rhino horns are also said to appear.
In Kenya, the KWS only grants special permits for the breeding of crocodiles, turtles, chameleons, ostriches, frogs, lizards, guinea fowl, quails, snails and butterflies.