Unrelenting spread of the alien monk parakeetMyiopsitta monachusin Israel. Is it time to sound the alarm?

Abstract

In Israel, monk parakeet populations are growing fast and have dispersed rapidly from cities to agricultural areas. At present, reports of agricultural damage are scarce. A complete assessment of possible management strategies is urgently needed before the population becomes too large and widespread to allow for cost-effective mitigation campaigns to be implemented. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

Mediterranean versus Atlantic monk parakeets Myiopsitta monachus: towards differentiated management at the European scale

“…The current status of the monk parakeet in some Europeans countries is unclear, and the population size and/or spread patterns are unknown for most of the populations. In its alien range, most populations occur in urban areas, although recent studies report a shift in the species’ distribution towards the borders of cities, with occurrences close to agricultural areas . Where invasive monk parakeet population growth has been studied, populations typically exhibit exponential growth rates …”

“…In its alien range, most populations occur in urban areas, 21,22 although recent studies report a shift in the species' distribution towards the borders of cities, with occurrences close to agricultural areas. 23,24 Where invasive monk parakeet population growth has been studied, populations typically exhibit exponential growth rates. [24][25][26][27] Within their native area, monk parakeets expand their range mainly through a process of 'neighbourhood diffusion', spreading from source populations to nearby favourable areas, 28 consistent with the estimates of low natal dispersal distances.…”

“…23,24 Where invasive monk parakeet population growth has been studied, populations typically exhibit exponential growth rates. [24][25][26][27] Within their native area, monk parakeets expand their range mainly through a process of 'neighbourhood diffusion', spreading from source populations to nearby favourable areas, 28 consistent with the estimates of low natal dispersal distances. 29 By contrast, in non-native areas, monk parakeet populations are typically scattered.…”

Vertebrate pest management: research for science-based solutions

“…As with the feral pigeons, food shortage may greatly facilitate the control/eradication of the species. A third study describes the quick growth of monk parakeet populations ( Myiopsitta monachus ) in Israel . Since 1995 the population has exponentially increased in size, and distribution, in urban and agricultural areas.…”

“…A third study describes the quick growth of monk parakeet populations (Myiopsitta monachus) in Israel. 5 Since 1995 the population has exponentially increased in size, and distribution, in urban and agricultural areas. The authors highlight the potential damage to agriculture and the need to initiate eradication campaigns as soon as possible.…”