Parrots and parakeets in Genoa (Northwest Italy): preliminary report of a census and population dynamic analysis through citizen involvement

Stefano Ferretti,Lorenzo Soddu,Marco Tognoni,Enrico Borgo,Dario Ottonello,Daniela Caracciolo,Giuliano Doria,Loris Galli

doi:10.21426/b637154915

Abstract

In the city of Genoa (NW Italy) three breeding species of Psittaciformes are known to occur: Psittacula krameri, Amazona ochrocephala and Amazona aestiva. We planned to update the knowledge of these alien species involving citizens in a project coordinated and managed by professional scientists and technicians from the Genoa University, the Natural History Museum “G. Doria”, the Municipality of Genoa and the Ligurian Environmental Protection Agency (ARPAL). The aims of the research are to highlight and quantify the impact on the urban environment of parrots and parakeets and evaluate which aspects of their presence are most perceived (negatively or positively) by citizens. The data obtained so far, on the basis of 227 observations, have allowed us to outline some aspects of the biology and habits of local Psittaciformes. We have related these characteristics to the impact that these species have on citizens, in terms of hygienic problems and levels of appreciation. The results, if confirmed by further data, will help us to develop targeted management measures but also to improve communication strategies for the future involvement of citizens in data collection.

Highlights

The fauna of the city of Genoa includes three well settled species of Psittaciformes (Borgo et al, 2005): the Ring-necked parakeet or Roseringed parakeet Psittacula krameri (Scopoli, 1769) of Asian origin (Jackson et al, 2020), the Yellow-crowned parrot Amazona ochrocephala (Gmelin, 1788) and the Blue-fronted amazon Amazona aestiva (Linnaeus 1758) both of South-American origin (Forshaw, 2006)
We planned to update the knowledge of these alien species involving citizens in a project coordinated and managed by professional scientists and technicians from the University of Genoa, the Natural History Museum “G. Doria”, the Municipality of Genoa and the Ligurian Environmental Protection Agency (ARPAL)
The data obtained so far, on the basis of 227 observations, have allowed us to outline some aspects of the biology and habits of local Psittaciformes

Summary

Introduction

The fauna of the city of Genoa includes three well settled species of Psittaciformes (Borgo et al, 2005): the Ring-necked parakeet or Roseringed parakeet Psittacula krameri (Scopoli, 1769) of Asian origin (Jackson et al, 2020), the Yellow-crowned parrot Amazona ochrocephala (Gmelin, 1788) and the Blue-fronted amazon Amazona aestiva (Linnaeus 1758) both of South-American origin (Forshaw, 2006). Populations of Amazona ochrocephala are established in Florida (USA), Barbados, Cayman Islands, Puerto Rico, Peru, Brazil, Spain, Germany, Netherlands, Italy, Singapore (Mori et al, 2013, 2017; Calzada Preston & Pruett-Jones, 2021). Alien populations of Amazona aestiva are located in California and Florida (USA), Puerto Rico, Peru, Brazil, Argentina, Spain, Germany, Italy and South Africa (Mori et al, 2013, 2017; Calzada Preston & Pruett-Jones, 2021). Psittacula krameri, with a population of some hundreds of individuals, is by far the most abundant species in Genoa (Gereschi, 2018), so much so that it is one of the most frequently hospitalized in the local wildlife recovery center (Dessalvi et al, 2021) It is a medium sized bird with a body length ranging from 38 to 42 cm. More adept observers can recognise males of this species by their dark purplish-coloured ring around their neck ( the name “Ring-necked parakeet”)

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Conclusion