Doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.13157/arla.62.2.2015.323
Authors: Ivana P. ROMERO, Mariano CODESIDO and David N. BILENCA
E-mail: iv.romero@hotmail.com
Published: Volume 62.2, December 2015. Pages 323-334.
Language: English
Keywords: nesting tree, plagiotropic growth, Psittacidae and selection
Summary:
The monk parakeet Myiopsitta monachusis a very successful invasive species and a
worldwide agricultural pest. Knowledge of its nest tree selection could be a
valuable pest control tool, given that its population expansion could be more
effectively controlled by reducing potential nest tree availability. In this
study we describe monk parakeet use and selection patterns of nest trees in
five parks in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The species and structural
characteristics of each nest tree was recorded. A census of potential nest
trees was also performed to calculate Savage’s selectivity index for each tree
species. We found 128 parakeet nests in 60 trees. The tree species selected by
monk parakeets were cedars Cedrus
atlantica, araucaria pines Araucaria
sp. and palms (Butia capitata,Washingtonia robusta, Syagrus romanzoffiana, Phoenix sp.). Cedars
were particularly selected as nest trees: they supported 40% of all nests and held more nests per tree than any other
species. This is the first study to reveal that
cedars and araucarias are selected by monk parakeets. Nest tree selection is a context-dependent
process and it is guided by tree species and their structural characteristics
and phenology. According to our findings, it would be advantageous to
implement a careful selection of the tree species to be planted in Buenos Aires
City parks and in urban areas elsewhere, in order to properly manage potential
human-bird conflicts. ??
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