Scientists: Invasion of parrots in Poland is only a matter of time – Gazeta.pl

Scientists: Invasion of parrots in Poland is only a matter of time – Gazeta.pl

Alexandretta plover come from Africa and India. These big, colorful birds began to bring to Europe approx. 40 years ago. Have gained popularity because they are intelligent, easy to tame and willing to learn to imitate the sound of different sounds. It is estimated that in the period 1996-2002, the EU imported 137 thousand them.

because of inattention or carelessness of people parrot began to slip away, however. Currently, the wild live longer in 35 countries on five continents, and in Europe alone their populations can be found in over a hundred cities. Most of it is in the UK (a few years ago, the population was estimated at 10-20 thousand. Individuals), Belgium (8.5 thous.), The Netherlands and Germany (after 5,5 thous.). Alexandretta, there are also in Greece, Slovenia, Turkey and Israel.

The experience of western and southern Europe show that parrots in the wild great adapt. They are omnivorous. Quickly discovered what they are feeders (supplanting them great tit and blue tits) and tolerate frosts. – It is said that up to minus 20 degrees. C. give advice! Please note that cities are warmer, heating pipes are. The potential for parrots is therefore – explains the director of the Institute of Zoology, University of Life Sciences in Poznan prof. Peter Tryjanowski.

Cumbersome Alexandretta

Ornithologists note that Alexandretta are dziuplakami, while holding close to man and often live in areas where lack of old trees and hollows. So burrow holes in the insulation of buildings, becoming a nuisance administrators and homeowners in many European cities.

Where occur naturally, Alexandretta shall be considered as some of the larger bird pests. In India, destroy crops and plantations of sunflowers and date palms. In the British Isles pester enough that legally allowed exterminated there parrots in places where they can cause damage or pose a threat – noting ornithologist.

The threat involves, among others, with the proviso that Alexandretta may be carriers include causing bacteria (including humans) ornithosis, or an acute infectious disease of the respiratory system, and protozoa that cause cryptosporidiosis (gastrointestinal disease). Carry a virus causing Newcastle disease in poultry. Her attack is the loss of the entire culture.

also cause environmental problems, because in search of places to breed compete with European species, for example. Dzięciołami, szpakami and kowalikami. They win as a bigger and stronger, but also because it starts breeding in February, occupying hollows birds that breed later. The previous European experience of Alexandretta are so difficult that the parrot appeared on a list of one hundred most troublesome invasive species.

“We are waiting for the invasion”

According to experts, there is a high probability that also colonize Poland Alexandretta. Promotes the warming and increasingly milder, shorter winters. – From a scientific point of view, it is even more interesting that you say we are waiting for the invasion, and not only investigate the effects of post factum. This allows you to check for example. Forecasting models – explains the director of the Institute Professor. Tryjanowski.

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