In Italy, the invasion of two species of green parrots — the ring-necked parakeet and monk parakeet — has caused alarm among environmentalists, ornithologists and farmers.
Considered an invasive species, these parrots are spreading rapidly across the country, posing a significant threat to agriculture and the environment.
Impact on agriculture
Green parrots feed on agricultural crops, fruits and vegetables, and also cause damage to ornamental trees, from which they take branches to build nests. This behavior has already resulted in significant losses for producers in several regions of Italy, especially in a sector facing challenges such as prolonged drought.
According to Fulvio Fraticelli, president of the Roman Station for Bird Observation and Protection (SROPU), the two species present distinct behaviors:
- Monk Parakeet: colonizes urban and peripheral areas, spreading from cities like Rome to coastal areas.
- Ring-necked Parakeet: travels up to 100 km per day, returning to communal dormitories with hundreds of individuals.
Actions proposed by experts
During a round table in Maccarese, in province of Rome, researchers highlighted the need for effective public policies to contain the proliferation of species. Suggested solutions include:
- Raising awareness among the population: raise awareness among citizens not to feed parrots, preventing the formation of new colonies.
- Nest control: remove newly built nests before breeding occurs.
- Government and European support: include green parrots on the list of invasive alien species and seek coordination with the European Union for a comprehensive control strategy.
A growing threat
According to Emiliano Mori, a researcher at the National Research Council (CNR), the problem requires coordinated action between ministries and local administrations. “It is essential that the issue be addressed at a European level, since it is not an exclusively Italian problem,” says the expert.
Beautiful, but they are causing problems.
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