Invasive birds conference
Invasive birds are species that have managed to establish populations in places outside their indigenous range, and have thrived in their new ranges to the extent that they pose threats to native flora and fauna or to man’s interests there. Introduction of the founder population usually results from accidental or deliberate release by man, although natural range extension can produce the same effects and may do so increasingly under the influence of climate change.
It appears that some species of birds are more readily able to establish new populations than others but the factors underlying this attribute are not well understood. Nevertheless, some parrots (Psittacidae), pigeons (Columbidae), starlings (Sturnidae) and crows (Corvidae) have demonstrated remarkable and worrying abilities to establish self-sustaining populations in new environments, especially on islands.
Three species that originated from the Indian subcontinent have, with man’s help, shown spectacular prowess in this respect. The ring-necked parakeet Psittacula krameri, and popular cage bird, now has populations (some increasing rapidly) on both continents and island following accidental or deliberate release. These introduced populations are responsible for cause crop damage and competition with native species. The common myna Acridotheres tristis has become established on islands throughout the tropics, often introduced to control insect pests but now commonly regarded as an agricultural pest, as a competitor of native species and as an important agent of dispersal of invasive plants. The house crow Corvus splendens is currently undergoing a rapid range extension around the Indian Ocean basin and on its islands and in the Middle East, and is threatening to establish outposts elsewhere, particularly in port areas, which it reaches by travelling on ships. It is regarded as a crop pest, and threat to native species and a concern to public health.
The problems demonstrated by these three species in particular, but also by invasive birds in general, highlight the need for improved knowledge of the traits that confer invasion potential among birds and thus of predicting risk species, ways of restricting the movement of these birds around the world, and means of managing established and establishing populations and the problems they cause.
To these ends we are convening a conference within the Indian Ocean basin in order to promote dialogue among those who are experiencing problems, or are anticipating problems, especially within that region but also aiming to capitalise on experiences worldwide. The main themes of the conference will be:
What makes some species good invaders?