Exotic, introduced and invasive avifauna on Tenerife: are these species a serious threat?

Abstract

I review the exotic avifauna of Tenerife since records began in the late 1980´s and update and analyse the actual status of these bird species by providing new data, from 2005-2006, of the distribution of these apparently selfsustaining populations. A literature search did not make clear how many species are present on Tenerife (range 1-9) and suggested that all introductions to this island were of species from 4 orders (i.e. Galliformes, Columbiformes, Psittaciformes and Passeriformes) belonging to 7 families (Numidae, Phasianidae, Columbidae, Psittacidae, Estrildidae, Fringillidae and Sturnidae). However, only 5 introduced species (Alectoris barbara, Streptopelia roseogrisea, Myiopsitta monachus, Psittacula krameri and Nandayus nenday) belonging to the orders Galliformes, Columbiformes and Psittaciformes show self-sustaining populations on Tenerife today. It is concluded that the introduction process on Tenerife is mainly “accidental” with some voluntary introductions for recreational hunting in the 15th century. All exotic, accidentally introduced, avifauna to Tenerife has always been associated with urban habitats which are suboptimal. Passeriformes appear to find it difficult to become established on Tenerife. Psittaciformes are the most successful order, and need to be monitored and possibly controlled in the near future.