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4 September 2023 Differences in Feeder Visitation by Invasive Rose-Ringed Parakeets (Psittacula krameri) between Hawaiian Islands
Steven C. Hess, C. Jane Anderson, Eric A. Tillman, William P. Bukoski, Aaron B. Shiels, Page E. Klug, Shane R. Siers, Bryan M. Kluever
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Abstract

Rose-ringed parakeets (Psittacula krameri; parakeets) are among the most invasive bird species worldwide. In their introduced range, populations of this species have caused negative effects on native species, natural environments, economies, and human safety. Lethal population management has been complicated by the intelligence of the birds, as they quickly alter behavior to avoid risks. Further, lethal control programs have been halted due to public opposition, as parakeets are considered to be charismatic by animal welfare advocates. The contraceptive DiazaCon has been demonstrated to effectively reduce fertility in captive parakeets. In field applications, any chemical control agents (e.g., toxicants or contraceptives) must be delivered in a manner that prohibits access by non-target species. Parakeets are known to feed from bird feeders throughout their native and introduced range, suggesting contraceptive-treated bait may be a useful management strategy. However, our 24-week trials with free-ranging parakeets using platform, hopper, and tube feeders on the island of Kaua‘i did not result in any parakeet visitation and thus precluded further testing of using feeders to selectively deliver fertility control products. Nonetheless, multiple citizen science reports and other documentation indicate parakeets using feeders on the island of O‘ahu over a period of >10 years, and recently on the island of Maui. Our findings suggest the chemical control of nonnative parakeet populations is a promising technique, but implementation success will likely vary by target population acceptance, location, local faunal diversity, and availability of alternative forage.

Steven C. Hess, C. Jane Anderson, Eric A. Tillman, William P. Bukoski, Aaron B. Shiels, Page E. Klug, Shane R. Siers, and Bryan M. Kluever "Differences in Feeder Visitation by Invasive Rose-Ringed Parakeets (Psittacula krameri) between Hawaiian Islands," Pacific Science 77(1), 111-123, (4 September 2023). https://doi.org/10.2984/77.1.7
Accepted: 23 April 2023; Published: 4 September 2023
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KEYWORDS
citizen science
fertility control
Hawai‘i
invasive species
Psittacula krameri
Rose-ringed parakeet
toxicant delivery
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