Australian research on bird pests: impact, management and future directions

Survival of Captive-Reared Puerto Rican Parrots Released in the Caribbean National Forest

“…Major threats include the degradation, destruction, and fragmentation of critical habitats (Snyder et al 2000), as well as the illegal trade in wild-caught birds (Weston and Memon 2009). Conversely, in some areas parrots are considered to be major environmental pests because of the damage that they cause to crops and human property (Bomford and Sinclair 2002). Moreover, a number of parrot species that have been introduced outside of their original geographic ranges carry infectious diseases and/or are able to outcompete, displace, or pose other risks to indigenous wildlife (Clavero et al 2009).…”

Australasian bird invasions: accidents of history?

“…Even given these realized and potential impacts of invasive bird species, it is usually argued that the economic and logistical resources devoted to their management and control fall far short of being proportional to the risks involved (Pimentel et al 2000;Bomford & Sinclair 2002). Successful, scientificallybased management, requires an inherently interdisciplinary endeavour, involving ecology, economics, and mathematics.…”

“…Australasia faces comparable problems from naturalized exotic birds (Bomford & Sinclair 2002), including: damage to fruit crops (cherries, blueberries, grapes, olives) by Starlings, Blackbirds (Turdus merula), House Sparrows (Passer domesticus), and Mynas; spreading of noxious weeds (Starlings and Blackbirds); as vectors of human and livestock disease (Starlings and Sparrows); impacts on intensive cattle, pig and poultry production (which rely on high grain rations) by Starlings, Sparrows and Pigeons; defacing of buildings and as hazards to public amenities (by all of the abovementioned species); and perhaps of most concern, their often detrimental interactions with native bird species (including direct and indirect competition for feeding and breeding resources, and genetic introgression) by Starlings, Mynas, Blackbirds, House Sparrows, Javan Sparrows (Lonchura oryzivora), Nutmeg Manikins (Lonchura punctulata) and Mallards (Anas platyrhynchos), and interference with, or predation upon, other taxa, such as arthropods, fish and mammals (for details, see Long 1981;Green 1984;Kentish et al 1995;Martin 1996;Pell & Tidemann 1997b;Bomford & Sinclair 2002).…”

AvianBuffer: An interactive tool for characterising and managing wildlife fear responses

“…A third target audience is pest and risk managers, in contexts such as controlling species causing damage to agriculture, buildings or aircraft (Bomford and Sinclair 2002). In essence, the most disturbing stimuli could be used to deter pests from sensitive areas.…”