The Invasive Rose-ringed Parakeet – a Threat from Hawai’i to Spain

24 MAY 2018

EMILY HEBER

The island of Kauai and a park in Seville, Spain are facing similar concerns over one invasive bird – the Rose-ringed Parakeet.

What do Kauai, Hawai’i and Seville, Spain have in common? Answer: the invasive Rose-ringed Parakeet.

The brightly colored bird is native in parts of Asia and Africa but the bright coloration has also led this species into  the pet trade industry. As an unfortunate by-product of their popularity as pets, the birds have been accidentally and intentionally released into non-native habitats around the world. The Kauai population was first established in the 1960s and grew to 200 individuals by the 1990s. Today experts estimate over 5,000 parakeets live on Kauai. Seville has a similar story of introduction that took place in the 1990s when 10 individuals were released after being confiscated from a pet shop. Now the populations are out of control and conservationists are concerned.

Continued  

RSPB Osprey update

Caledonia, one of the two satellite tagged young sister ospreys that fledged from the Loch Garten nest last summer, is enjoying some winter sun in Seville.

As well as being tracked by satellite, the charity has recently had visual confirmation too.

RSPB Scotland site manager at Loch Garten, Richard Thaxton, said : "Caledonia - named by the pupils of Deshar School – left the strath last August and arrived in Seville in mid September, and she has chosen to remain there ever since. 

"This is considered unusual for first year birds, which whilst certainly passing through Spain, have always been thought to continue their migration further south to West Africa.

"Caledonia’s sister Alba, did exactly that, making a record-breaking migration last Autumn, arriving in Senegal with two weeks of leaving Loch Garten.

"Caledonia however, has opted to stay in Seville, and so far anyway, not venture any further."

Mr Thaxton added: "We are pleased that our juvenile Caley has chosen to stay in Spain so far, because sadly sister Alba perished in late November in Senegal, as have other tracked ospreys over the years.

"So we are hoping Spain perhaps offers a safer option, with richer pickings and less competition perhaps from other ospreys and other fish-eating birds down in the Tropics."

Keep up with the 

latest:http://www.rspb.org.uk/community/placestovisit/lochgartenospreys/b/lochgartenospreys/archive/2013/02.aspx

http://www.strathspey-herald.co.uk/News/RSPB-Osprey-update-12022013.htm