Aspects of the feeding ecology of introduced Rose-ringed Parakeets Psittacula krameri in the urban landscape mosaic of Durban, KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa

Abstract

The Rose-ringed Parakeet Psittacula krameri is one of the world's commonest invasive bird species and has established in the South African urban landscapes. However, relatively little is known about the feeding biology of parakeets here. We surveyed areas in eThekwini Municipality, Durban, South Africa, to determine their feeding sites and the related land-use types. Patterns of the association were explored using Correspondence Analysis to determine parakeets' diet across seasons and interaction between different tree species fed on by parakeets and other bird species. Dietary items were determined visually using binoculars. We identified a total of 63 feeding sites with many in the urban built land-use cover type. The parakeets' diet differed significantly across the seasons with spring accounting for 33% of annual food items. We identified 31 fruiting/flowering tree species fed on by the parakeets, with fleshy fruits and flowers accounting for 58% and 19%, respectively. Native tree species (63%) were mostly relied on when compared with non-native (27%). They also fed on carpenter ants Camponotus cinctellus which contributed 3% of their diet. The forest fever-berry Croton sylvaticus (fleshy fruits) and African star-chestnut Sterculia africana (flowers) were the most preferred tree species in autumn and summer. The observed number of bird species that communally fed with parakeets were significantly different across the sampled seasons. The diets for the Common Myna Acridotheres tristis and the Speckled Mousebird Colius striatus overlapped with parakeets for most tree species. Parakeets were observed actively feeding in the early mornings and late afternoons before roosting. Our study supports that parakeets are generalist-opportunistic feeders. The assessment of Rose-ringed Parakeets feeding ecology may help understand their potential impact on native tree and bird species within an urban landscape. Keywords Alien invasive species • Competition • Generalist species • Feeding patterns • Urban landscapeCommunicated by F. Bairlein.

Correction

“…This further supports Rose-ringed Parakeets' persistence and expansion in suburban areas of the Durban metropole. Rose-ringed Parakeets are mainly granivores; hence supplementary feeding stations with grains and seeds support their persistence in urban areas, as found in other studies (Sol et al 2002;Clergeau and Vergnes 2011;Clergeau and Yésou 2006;Shivambu et al 2021b). As a result, this species is likely to increase in numbers and become a pest with potential environmental and socioeconomic impacts (Shivambu et al 2020).…”

“…Typically, Rose-ringed Parakeets are pet escapees or releases and have evolved to live with humans (Roche and Bedford-Shaw 2008;Symes 2014;Strubbe and Matthysen 2020;Shivambu et al 2021a, b). In addition, urban areas have a relatively high food availability for this species, especially in gardens and parks (Scalliet 1999;Wegener 2004;Strubbe and Matthysen 2007;Wolff and Touratier 2010;Shivambu et al 2021b).…”

“…The survey link (https://forms.gle/52h21wKv7esZ34aQ8) was distributed through Facebook, WhatsApp, local estate newsletters (n = 3), pet shops (n = 32) and printed letters (n = 420) targeting residents in eThekwini Municipality. Letters were distributed to selected eco-estate managers and residents during sampling for parallel studies (Shivambu et al 2021a(Shivambu et al , 2021b(Shivambu et al , 2022 and presentations. The ethical clearance to carry out this study was granted by the University of KwaZulu-Natal Humanities and Social Research Ethics Committee (number: HSS/0678/018D).…”

An assessment of avian species sold in the South African pet trade

“…As a result of increased rose‐ringed parakeet populations, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) in South Africa has allocated a budget to control this species. Although the South African government has regulations to manage and control invasive species, public objections can impair the control of charismatic species (Gaertner et al, 2015; Shivambu, 2021). As a result, we recommend that the scientific community, public and pet trade industry engage in discussions that involve regulation of trade and implementing management strategies for eradication programmes for invasive species currently in the trade.…”

Remotely Sensed Ecological Protection Redline and Security Pattern Construction: A Comparative Analysis of Pingtan (China) and Durban (South Africa)

“…Durban (Figure 1b) is a port city in KwaZulu Natal province, South Africa, with an area of 2292 km 2 . The climate of Durban is subtropical, with an annual rainfall of about 1000 mm, an average annual temperature of 16.0-25 °C and abundant sunshine [17,18]. It Durban (Figure 1b) is a port city in KwaZulu Natal province, South Africa, with an area of 2292 km 2 .…”