‘Some like it alien’: predation on invasive ring–necked parakeets by the long–eared owl in an urban area

M. Le Louarn,D. Hernández–Brito,E. Mori,B. ten Cate,M. Menchetti,L. Malfatti,M. Ricci

doi:10.32800/abc.2020.43.151

Abstract

Predation pressure by native species may limit the spread of alien invasive species, thus playing a pivotal role in the impact and implementation of management strategies. The ring–necked parakeet Psittacula krameri is one of the most widespread alien bird species in Europe, with nearly 70 established populations. Predators of this species include diurnal raptors, synanthropic corvids, and rodents. Here we report for the first time that long–eared owls Asio otus might have preyed upon parakeets in their night roosts. Analysis of 167 owl pellets showed that ring–necked parakeets made up over 10 % of the total volume of the diet of these owls in winter (32.93 % of absolute frequency), representing the most important prey species after murid rodents and passerine birds. Further studies are needed to investigate whether parakeet consumption by long–eared owls is only a local occurrence or whether it is widespread in European cities. If so, predation by long–eared owl may eventually lead to a form of parakeet control and may limit the impact of this introduced parakeet on native biodiversity.

Highlights

Biological invasions are one of the main causes of the global biodiversity crisis (Nentwig et al, 2018)
Predation by native species may help limit the spread of alien species and limit their negative effects on native environments
Alien species introduced through the pet market are appreciated

Summary

Introduction

Biological invasions are one of the main causes of the global biodiversity crisis (Nentwig et al, 2018). Predation by native species may help limit the spread of alien species and limit their negative effects on native environments. Alien species introduced through the pet market are appreciated (cf Bertolino, 2009) and often fed by humans, facilitating the establishment of naturalized populations, mostly within human settlements, such as in urban parks (Clergeau and Vergnes, 2011; Gyimesi and Lensink, 2012; Mori et al, 2019). Alien species may become part of the diet of native predators Nocturnal raptors have been reported to be effective control agents for alien pest management (Labuschagne et al, 2016), and their presence in urban and suburban areas is increasing (Mori and Bertolino, 2015)

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Conclusion