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

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 University of Genoa, 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.

Urban parrots in Sothern South America: Conservation challenges and opportunities

“…There are different causes contributing to the decline of their populations, including wildlife trade, habitat loss and degradation, and persecution (Tella and The bene ts and challenges associated with the establishment of native and exotic Psittaciformes in cities have been little studied in this region (Bucher 2021). Except for a small set of psittacines whose presence in urban environments is perceived as particularly con icting, such as the monk parakeet Myiopsitta monachus (Butler 2005;Davis et al 2012;Diamond and Ross 2019;Aplin et al 2021;Ferretti et al 2022), knowledge about the interactions between psittacines and the anthropogenic environment is still insu cient and has not been systematized, particularly in the Neotropical region. This is despite the fact that urban centres are the everyday territory shared by these birds and the vast majority of those of us who study them.…”