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Michael L Avery - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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evaluation of boldness assays and associated behavioral measures in a social parrot Monk Parakeet myiopsitta monachus
Behaviour, 2016Co-Authors: Kaan Kerman, Kathryn E Sieving, Colette M St Mary, Michael L AveryAbstract:Boldness reflects consistent individual differences in risk-taking behavior across various contexts. However, evaluating this basic assumption has largely been neglected in birds. In a captive Monk Parakeet population ( Myiopsitta monachus ; N=33), we undertook an analysis of 7 measures across 3 commonly used boldness assays (i.e., novel object, emergence, and predator-exposure tests). Using principal component analysis, we derived 3 components (PCs). PC-2 loaded strongly with measures from emergence and predator-exposure tests; we interpreted it as the closest approximation of boldness. PC-1 and PC-3 described different aspects of feeding such as foraging activity and rate, respectively. Finally, we assessed the predictive power of each measure that loaded significantly on the boldness axis. We found that no single metric explained even %55 of the variation in PC-2, nor could more than %50 individuals at the extremes of the spectrum be predicted. Our results demonstrate the utility of an inclusive approach in personality research.
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shared genetic diversity across the global invasive range of the Monk Parakeet suggests a common restricted geographic origin and the possibility of convergent selection
Molecular Ecology, 2015Co-Authors: Pim Edelaar, Michael A Russello, Michael L Avery, Timothy F Wright, Juan Carlos Senar, Anders Goncalves Da Silva, Severine Roques, Elisabeth A Hobson, Martina CarreteAbstract:While genetic diversity is hypothesized to be an important factor explaining invasion success, there is no consensus yet on how variation in source populations or demographic processes affects invasiveness. We used mitochondrial DNA haplotypic and microsatellite genotypic data to investigate levels of genetic variation and reconstruct the history of replicate invasions on three continents in a globally invasive bird, the Monk Parakeet (Myiopsitta monachus). We evaluated whether genetic diversity at invasive sites could be explained by (i) the native source populations from which they were derived and (ii) demographic bottlenecks during introduction. Genetic data indicated a localized source area for most sampled invasive populations, with limited evidence for admixing of native source populations. This pattern largely coincides with historical data on pet trade exports. However, the invasive populations are genetically more similar than predicted from the export data alone. The extent of bottleneck effects varied among invasive populations. The observed low genetic diversity, evidence of demographic contraction and restricted source area do not support the hypothesis that invasion is favoured by the mixing and recombining of genetic variation from multiple source populations. Instead, they suggest that reduced genetic variation through random processes may not inhibit successful establishment and invasion in this species. However, convergent selection across invasive sites could also explain the observed patterns of reduction and similarity in genetic variation and/or the restricted source area. In general, the alternative explanation of intraspecific variation in invasive potential among genotypes or geographic areas is neglected, but warrants more attention as it could inform comparative studies and management of biological invaders.
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The effect of social context and social scale on the perception of relationships in Monk Parakeets
Current Zoology, 2015Co-Authors: Elizabeth A. Hobson, Michael L Avery, Darlene J. John, Tiffany L. Mcintosh, Timonthy F. WrightAbstract:Social relationships formed within a network of interacting group members can have a profound impact on an individual’s behavior and fitness. However, we have little understanding of how individuals perceive their relationships and how this perception relates to our external measures of interactions. We investigated the perception of affiliative and agonistic relationships at both the dyadic and emergent social levels in two captive groups of Monk Parakeets ( Myiopsitta monachus , n = 21 and 19) using social network analysis and playback experiments. At the dyadic social scale, individuals directed less aggression towards their strong affiliative partners and more aggression towards non-partner neighbors.At the emergent social scale, there was no association between relationships in different social contexts and an individual’s dominance rank did not correlate with its popularity rank. Playback response patterns were mainly driven by relationships in affiliative social contexts at the dyadic scale. In both groups, individual responses to playback experiments were significantly affected by strong affiliative relationships at the dyadic social scale, albeit in different directions in the two groups. Response patterns were also affected by affiliative relationships at the emergent social scale, but only in one of the two groups. Within affiliative relationships, those at the dyadic social scale were perceived by individuals in both groups, but those at the emergent social scale only affected responses in one group. These results provide preliminary evidence that relationships in affiliative social contexts may be perceived as more important than agonistic relationships in captive Monk Parakeet groups. Our approach could be used in a wide range of social species and comparative analyses could provide important insight into how individuals perceive relationships across social contexts and social scales.
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special issue invasion genetics the baker and stebbins legacy shared genetic diversity across the global invasive range of the Monk Parakeet suggests a common restricted geographic origin and the possibility of convergent selection
2015Co-Authors: Pim Edelaar, Michael A Russello, Michael L Avery, Timothy F Wright, Juan Carlos Senar, Severine Roques, Elisabeth A Hobson, Martina Carrete, E L TellaAbstract:While genetic diversity is hypothesized to be an important factor explaining invasion success, there is no consensus yet on how variation in source populations or demographic processes affects invasiveness. We used mitochondrial DNA haplotypic and microsatellite genotypic data to investigate levels of genetic variation and reconstruct the history of replicate invasions on three continents in a globally invasive bird, the Monk Parakeet (Myiopsitta monachus). We evaluated whether genetic diversity at invasive sites could be explained by (i) the native source populations from which they were derived and (ii) demographic bottlenecks during introduction. Genetic data indicated a localized source area for most sampled invasive populations, with limited evidence for admixing of native source populations. This pattern largely coincides with historical data on pet trade exports. However, the invasive populations are genetically more similar than predicted from the export data alone. The extent of bottleneck effects varied among invasive populations. The observed low genetic diversity, evidence of demographic contraction and restricted source area do not support the hypothesis that invasion is favoured by the mixing and recombining of genetic variation from multiple source populations. Instead, they suggest that reduced genetic variation through random processes may not inhibit successful establishment and invasion in this species. However, convergent selection across invasive sites could also explain the observed patterns of reduction and similarity in genetic variation and/or the restricted source area. In general, the alternative explanation of intraspecific variation in invasive potential among genotypes or geographic areas is neglected, but warrants more attention as it could inform comparative studies and management of biological invaders.
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The socioecology of Monk Parakeets: Insights into parrot social complexity
The Auk, 2014Co-Authors: Elizabeth A. Hobson, Michael L Avery, Timonthy F. WrightAbstract:ABSTRACT Our recent work on Monk Parakeets (Myiopsitta monachus) reported dominance steepness values that were inaccurate because of a bug in the analysis program. Updated steepness values are more moderate than initially reported, which places captive Monk Parakeet groups midway between egalitarianism and despotism.
Martina Carrete - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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A protective nesting association with native species counteracts biotic resistance for the spread of an invasive Parakeet from urban into rural habitats
Frontiers in Zoology, 2020Co-Authors: Dailos Hernández-brito, Guillermo Blanco, José L. Tella, Martina CarreteAbstract:Background Non-native species are often introduced in cities, where they take advantage of microclimatic conditions, resources provided by humans, and competitor/predator release to establish and proliferate. However, native communities in the surrounding rural or natural areas usually halt their spread through biotic resistance, mainly via top-down regulative processes (predation pressure). Here, we show an unusual commensal interaction between exotic and native bird species that favours the spread of the former from urban to rural habitats. Results We show how Monk Parakeets Myiopsitta monachus , an invasive species often introduced in cities worldwide, associated for breeding with a much larger, native species (the white stork Ciconia ciconia ) to reduce predation risk in central Spain, thus allowing their colonization of rural areas. Parakeets selected stork nests close to conspecifics and where breeding raptors were less abundant. Parakeets always flushed when raptors approached their nests when breeding alone, but stayed at their nests when breeding in association with storks. Moreover, when storks abandoned a nest, Parakeets abandoned it in the following year, suggesting that storks actually confer protection against predators. Conclusions Our results show how a protective-nesting association between invasive and native species can counteract biotic resistance to allow the spread of an invasive species across non-urban habitats, where they may become crop pests. Monk Parakeet populations are now growing exponentially in several cities in several Mediterranean countries, where they coexist with white storks. Therefore, management plans should consider this risk of spread into rural areas and favour native predators as potential biological controllers.
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A protective nesting association with native species counteracts biotic resistance for the spread of an invasive Parakeet from urban into rural habitats
Frontiers in Zoology, 2020Co-Authors: Dailos Hernández-brito, Guillermo Blanco, José L. Tella, Martina CarreteAbstract:Non-native species are often introduced in cities, where they take advantage of microclimatic conditions, resources provided by humans, and competitor/predator release to establish and proliferate. However, native communities in the surrounding rural or natural areas usually halt their spread through biotic resistance, mainly via top-down regulative processes (predation pressure). Here, we show an unusual commensal interaction between exotic and native bird species that favours the spread of the former from urban to rural habitats. We show how Monk Parakeets Myiopsitta monachus, an invasive species often introduced in cities worldwide, associated for breeding with a much larger, native species (the white stork Ciconia ciconia) to reduce predation risk in central Spain, thus allowing their colonization of rural areas. Parakeets selected stork nests close to conspecifics and where breeding raptors were less abundant. Parakeets always flushed when raptors approached their nests when breeding alone, but stayed at their nests when breeding in association with storks. Moreover, when storks abandoned a nest, Parakeets abandoned it in the following year, suggesting that storks actually confer protection against predators. Our results show how a protective-nesting association between invasive and native species can counteract biotic resistance to allow the spread of an invasive species across non-urban habitats, where they may become crop pests. Monk Parakeet populations are now growing exponentially in several cities in several Mediterranean countries, where they coexist with white storks. Therefore, management plans should consider this risk of spread into rural areas and favour native predators as potential biological controllers.
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shared genetic diversity across the global invasive range of the Monk Parakeet suggests a common restricted geographic origin and the possibility of convergent selection
Molecular Ecology, 2015Co-Authors: Pim Edelaar, Michael A Russello, Michael L Avery, Timothy F Wright, Juan Carlos Senar, Anders Goncalves Da Silva, Severine Roques, Elisabeth A Hobson, Martina CarreteAbstract:While genetic diversity is hypothesized to be an important factor explaining invasion success, there is no consensus yet on how variation in source populations or demographic processes affects invasiveness. We used mitochondrial DNA haplotypic and microsatellite genotypic data to investigate levels of genetic variation and reconstruct the history of replicate invasions on three continents in a globally invasive bird, the Monk Parakeet (Myiopsitta monachus). We evaluated whether genetic diversity at invasive sites could be explained by (i) the native source populations from which they were derived and (ii) demographic bottlenecks during introduction. Genetic data indicated a localized source area for most sampled invasive populations, with limited evidence for admixing of native source populations. This pattern largely coincides with historical data on pet trade exports. However, the invasive populations are genetically more similar than predicted from the export data alone. The extent of bottleneck effects varied among invasive populations. The observed low genetic diversity, evidence of demographic contraction and restricted source area do not support the hypothesis that invasion is favoured by the mixing and recombining of genetic variation from multiple source populations. Instead, they suggest that reduced genetic variation through random processes may not inhibit successful establishment and invasion in this species. However, convergent selection across invasive sites could also explain the observed patterns of reduction and similarity in genetic variation and/or the restricted source area. In general, the alternative explanation of intraspecific variation in invasive potential among genotypes or geographic areas is neglected, but warrants more attention as it could inform comparative studies and management of biological invaders.
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special issue invasion genetics the baker and stebbins legacy shared genetic diversity across the global invasive range of the Monk Parakeet suggests a common restricted geographic origin and the possibility of convergent selection
2015Co-Authors: Pim Edelaar, Michael A Russello, Michael L Avery, Timothy F Wright, Juan Carlos Senar, Severine Roques, Elisabeth A Hobson, Martina Carrete, E L TellaAbstract:While genetic diversity is hypothesized to be an important factor explaining invasion success, there is no consensus yet on how variation in source populations or demographic processes affects invasiveness. We used mitochondrial DNA haplotypic and microsatellite genotypic data to investigate levels of genetic variation and reconstruct the history of replicate invasions on three continents in a globally invasive bird, the Monk Parakeet (Myiopsitta monachus). We evaluated whether genetic diversity at invasive sites could be explained by (i) the native source populations from which they were derived and (ii) demographic bottlenecks during introduction. Genetic data indicated a localized source area for most sampled invasive populations, with limited evidence for admixing of native source populations. This pattern largely coincides with historical data on pet trade exports. However, the invasive populations are genetically more similar than predicted from the export data alone. The extent of bottleneck effects varied among invasive populations. The observed low genetic diversity, evidence of demographic contraction and restricted source area do not support the hypothesis that invasion is favoured by the mixing and recombining of genetic variation from multiple source populations. Instead, they suggest that reduced genetic variation through random processes may not inhibit successful establishment and invasion in this species. However, convergent selection across invasive sites could also explain the observed patterns of reduction and similarity in genetic variation and/or the restricted source area. In general, the alternative explanation of intraspecific variation in invasive potential among genotypes or geographic areas is neglected, but warrants more attention as it could inform comparative studies and management of biological invaders.
Juan Carlos Senar - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Do Invasive Mosquito and Bird Species Alter Avian Malaria Parasite Transmission
Diversity, 2020Co-Authors: Josué Martínez De La Puente, Juan Carlos Senar, Tomás Montalvo, Alazne Díez-fernández, Rubén Bueno-marí, Quentin Pangrani, Ramón C. Soriguer, Jordi FiguerolaAbstract:Alien mosquito and vertebrate host species may create novel epidemiological scenarios for the transmission of pathogens naturally circulating in the invaded area. The exotic Monk Parakeet (Myiopsitta monachus) has established populations in Europe and is currently considered an invasive pest. Due to their high abundance in urban areas, Monk Parakeets could be involved in the transmission of pathogens, potentially affecting wildlife and livestock. To test this hypothesis, we determined the prevalence and diversity of three vector-borne parasites, namely Plasmodium, Haemoproteus and Leucocytozoon, in Monk Parakeets from Barcelona. Many areas of southern Europe shelter high densities of the invasive Asian tiger mosquito Aedes albopictus, which in addition to native mosquito species could affect the transmission of mosquito-borne parasites, such as avian Plasmodium. Thus, we also sampled mosquitoes in the area to trace their blood-feeding hosts and determine the presence of Plasmodium parasites. Monk Parakeets were neither infected by Plasmodium nor by Haemoproteus parasites, and only five individuals (3.13%; n = 160) were infected by Leucocytozoon. Monk Parakeets were bitten by Culiseta longiareolata and represented 9.5% of Culex pipiens blood meals. The invasive Ae. albopictus showed a clear anthropophilic feeding pattern, with humans dominating its diet. Three Plasmodium lineages were detected in pools of Cx pipiens. These results suggest that Plasmodium circulating in the area cannot develop in the invasive Monk Parakeet, in spite of the relatively high fraction of native mosquito vectors feeding on this species in its invaded distribution range.
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Microsatellite characterisation and sex-typing in two invasive Parakeet species, the Monk Parakeet Myiopsitta monachus and ring-necked Parakeet Psittacula krameri
Molecular Biology Reports, 2020Co-Authors: Francesca S. E. Dawson Pell, Ben J. Hatchwell, Alba Ortega-segalerva, Deborah A. Dawson, Gavin J. Horsburgh, Juan Carlos SenarAbstract:Invasive species can have wide-ranging negative impacts, and an understanding of the process and success of invasions can be vital to determine management strategies, mitigate impacts and predict range expansions of such species. Monk Parakeets ( Myiopsitta monachus ) and ring-necked Parakeets ( Psittacula krameri ) are both widespread invasive species, but there has been little research into the genetic and social structure of these two species despite the potential links with invasion success. The aim of this study was to isolate novel microsatellite loci from the Monk Parakeet and characterise them in both Monk and ring-necked Parakeets in order to facilitate future investigations into their behaviour and population ecology. Sex-typing markers were also tested in both species. Of the 20 microsatellite loci assessed in 24 unrelated Monk Parakeets, 16 successfully amplified and were polymorphic displaying between 2 and 14 alleles (mean = 8.06). Expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.43 to 0.93 and observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.23 to 0.96. Nine of the 20 loci also successfully amplified and were polymorphic in the ring-necked Parakeet, displaying between 2 and 10 alleles. Suitable markers to sex both species and a Z-linked microsatellite locus were identified. A multiplex marker set was validated for Monk Parakeets. These novel microsatellite loci will facilitate fine and broad-scale population genetic analyses of these two widespread invasive species.
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Diet assessments as a tool to control invasive species: comparison between Monk and Rose-ringed Parakeets with stable isotopes
Journal of Urban Ecology, 2020Co-Authors: N. A. Borray-escalante, D Mazzoni, L Arroyo, Alba Ortega-segalerva, V Morera-pujol, J González-solís, Juan Carlos SenarAbstract:Abstract Food is a main limiting factor for most populations. As a consequence, knowledge about the diet of invasive alien species determines the design of control measures. The Monk and Rose-ringed Parakeets are two typical species of successful invasive parrots that are highly appreciated by people. Although some observations suggest that Monk Parakeets rely on a higher percentage of anthropogenic food than Rose-ringed Parakeets, no detailed quantitative data is available. The aim of this study was to compare the diet of the two Parakeets using stable isotope analysis (SIA). We performed SIA of carbon and nitrogen in feathers collected in Barcelona, Spain. We also measured isotopic ratios for potential food sources. We reconstructed the diet of Parakeets using Bayesian mixing models. The two species differed in the isotopic signatures of their feathers for both δ13C and δ15N. Diet reconstruction showed that Monk Parakeets feed mainly on anthropogenic food (41.7%), herbaceous plants (26.9%) and leaves/seeds (22.2%), while Rose-ringed Parakeets feed mainly on flowers/fruits (44.1%), anthropogenic food provided in the trap located at the museum (32.4%) and leaves/seeds (23.1%). The more detailed information we can obtain from the diet of these species is useful to develop more effective control measures for their populations. The Monk Parakeet may be more susceptible to control through education local residents, given the greater use of anthropogenic food in this species compared to Rose-ringed Parakeet. Our conclusions also indicate that SIA is a powerful tool in providing crucial information about the diet and informing measures to control invasive species.
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diet to tissue discrimination factors for the blood and feathers of the Monk Parakeet myiopsitta monachus and the ring necked Parakeet psittacula krameri
Animal Biodiversity and Conservation, 2019Co-Authors: D Mazzoni, N A Borrayescalante, Ortega A Segalerva, L Arroyo, Gonzalez J Solis, Juan Carlos SenarAbstract:espanolLos analisis de isotopos estables se han venido utilizando de forma generalizada en los ultimos anos para inferir la dieta de numerosas especies. El metodo isotopico consiste en utilizar factores de discriminacion entre la dieta y los tejidos para cada tipo de presa y tejido de depredador, es decir, determinar la diferencia entre la composicion isotopica de los tejidos del depredador y la de las distintas presas que integran su dieta. Hay muy poca informacion sobre los valores de los factores de discriminacion entre la dieta y los tejidos relativa a los psitaciformes. La finalidad de este estudio fue evaluar los valores de los factores de discriminacion de los isotopos de carbono y nitrogeno de la cotorra argentina (Myiopsitta monachus) y la cotorra de Kramer (Psittacula krameri), que son dos especies exoticas invasivas motivo de preocupacion. Alimentamos a aves en cautividad de las dos especies de cotorra con una dieta exclusivamente a base de semillas de girasol para establecer los factores de discriminacion relativos a la sangre y las plumas. En la cotorra argentina (N = 9), los factores de discriminacion para la sangre fueron: Δδ13C 2,14 ‰ ± 0,90 y Δδ15N 3,21 ‰ ± 0,75 y para las plumas: Δδ13C 3,97 ‰ ± 0,90 y Δδ15N 3,67 ‰ ± 0,74. Los factores de discriminacion de la cotorra de Kramer (N = 9) para la sangre fueron: Δδ13C (‰) 2,58 ± 0,90 y Δδ15N (‰) 2,35 ± 0,78 y para las plumas: Δδ13C 3,64 ‰ ± 0,98 y Δδ15N 4,10 ‰ ± 1,84. Los valores de los factores de discriminacion entre la dieta y la sangre de la cotorra de Kramer fueron significativamente mas elevados que los de la cotorra argentina. Con respecto a las plumas, no se observaron diferencias entre las dos especies. Nuestros resultados proporcionan los primeros valores de los factores de discriminacion para la sangre y las plumas en cotorras, que son fundamentales para inferir la dieta de estas especies mediante el analisis de isotopos estables. EnglishStable isotope analyses (SIAs) have been widely used in recent years to infer the diet of many species. This isotopic approach requires using diet to tissue discrimination factors (DTDFs) for each prey type and predator tissue, i.e., to determine the difference between the isotopic composition of the predator tissues and the different prey that conform its diet. Information on DTDF values in Psittaciformes is scarce. The aim of this study was to assess DTDF values for the carbon and nitrogen isotopes of the Monk Parakeet (Myiopsitta monachus) and the ring–necked Parakeet (Psittacula krameri), two invasive alien species of concern. We fed captive birds of the two Parakeet species on a single–species diet based on sunflower seeds to establish the DTDFs for the blood and feathers. In the Monk Parakeet (N = 9) DTDFs were Δδ13C 2.14 ‰ ± 0.90 and Δδ15N 3.21 ‰ ± 0.75 for the blood, and Δδ13C 3.97 ‰ ± 0.90 and Δδ15N 3.67 ‰ ± 0.74 for the feathers. In the ring–necked Parakeet (N = 9), the DTDFs were Δδ13C (‰) 2.58 ± 0.90 and Δδ15N (‰) 2.35 ± 0.78 for the blood, and Δδ13C 3.64 ‰ ± 0.98 and Δδ15N 4.10 ‰ ± 1.84 for the feathers. DTDF values for the ring–necked Parakeet blood were significantly higher than those for the Monk Parakeet blood. No difference was found between the two species in the DTDF for feathers. Our findings provide the first values of DTDFs for blood and feathers in these Parakeets, factors that are key to infer the diet of these species based on SIA.
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the expansion of Monk Parakeet in mediterranean urban areas implications for the transmission of parasites by native and invasive vectors
2017Co-Authors: Alazne Diezfernandez, Juan Carlos Senar, Tomás Montalvo, Josué Martínez De La Puente, B Q Pangrani, Jordi FiguerolaAbstract:Trabajo presentado en XIV MEDECOS & XIII AEET Meeting. Seville, 31st January - 4th February 2017
Diego J. Valdez - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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subtle sexual plumage color dimorphism and size dimorphism in a south american colonial breeder the Monk Parakeet myiopsitta monachus
Avian Research, 2020Co-Authors: Macarena Morales, Deysi J. Gigena, Diego J. Valdez, Santiago BenitezvieyraAbstract:Parrots (Psittacidae Family) are one of the most colorful groups of birds in the world, their colors produced both structurally and via unusual pigments (psittacofulvins). Most species are considered to be monogamous, and many have been viewed historically as sexually monomorphic and monochromatic. However, studies using morphometric analysis and spectrophotometric techniques have revealed sexual size dimorphism and also sexual plumage color dimorphism among some species. The Monk Parakeet (Myiopsitta monachus), a native parrot of South America, is an interesting species for the study of plumage coloration and size since it is considered sexually monochromatic and monomorphic. Furthermore, recent studies show that the Monk Parakeet has extra-bond paternity behavior and even breeding trios, which suggests that sexual selection may play an important role in this species, and that it might have sexually dimorphic plumage (albeit imperceptible by humans) and be dimorphic in size. For the determination of plumage color we used spectrophotometry in the range of avian vision (300‒700 nm) and performed a morphological analysis. Our spectrophotometric results indicate that the Monk Parakeet shows subtle sexual plumage color dimorphism in three (crown, nape and wing) out of twelve body regions. Similarly, our morphometric analysis showed that there are subtle sex differences in body size (bill and weight). Although the Monk Parakeet shows extra-bond paternity and breeding trio behaviors which could increase sexual dimorphism, these behaviors occur among highly related individuals; perhaps the high rate of inbreeding is responsible for the attenuation of sexual plumage color dimorphism and sex differences in body size observed.
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Subtle sexual plumage color dimorphism and size dimorphism in a South American colonial breeder, the Monk Parakeet (Myiopsitta monachus)
Avian Research, 2020Co-Authors: Macarena Morales, Deysi J. Gigena, Santiago M. Benitez-vieyra, Diego J. ValdezAbstract:Background Parrots (Psittacidae Family) are one of the most colorful groups of birds in the world, their colors produced both structurally and via unusual pigments (psittacofulvins). Most species are considered to be monogamous, and many have been viewed historically as sexually monomorphic and monochromatic. However, studies using morphometric analysis and spectrophotometric techniques have revealed sexual size dimorphism and also sexual plumage color dimorphism among some species. The Monk Parakeet ( Myiopsitta monachus ), a native parrot of South America, is an interesting species for the study of plumage coloration and size since it is considered sexually monochromatic and monomorphic. Furthermore, recent studies show that the Monk Parakeet has extra-bond paternity behavior and even breeding trios, which suggests that sexual selection may play an important role in this species, and that it might have sexually dimorphic plumage (albeit imperceptible by humans) and be dimorphic in size. Methods For the determination of plumage color we used spectrophotometry in the range of avian vision (300‒700 nm) and performed a morphological analysis. Results Our spectrophotometric results indicate that the Monk Parakeet shows subtle sexual plumage color dimorphism in three (crown, nape and wing) out of twelve body regions. Similarly, our morphometric analysis showed that there are subtle sex differences in body size (bill and weight). Conclusions Although the Monk Parakeet shows extra-bond paternity and breeding trio behaviors which could increase sexual dimorphism, these behaviors occur among highly related individuals; perhaps the high rate of inbreeding is responsible for the attenuation of sexual plumage color dimorphism and sex differences in body size observed.
Antonioroman Munoz - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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The Legal International Wildlife Trade Favours Invasive Species Establishment: The Monk and Ring-Necked Parakeets in Spain
Ardeola, 2018Co-Authors: Lucrecia Souviron-priego, Antonioroman Munoz, Jesús Olivero, J. Mario Vargas, John E. FaAbstract:The international wildlife trade is a lucrative business. Although a huge variety of animal groups are trafficked, the Psittaciformes (parrots) are amongst the most traded avian groups. Deliberate or accidental releases of imported parrots have led to the establishment of feral populations in many countries. Far from their native habitats, parrots may cause economic and ecological damage, and may even favour the transmission of zoonotic diseases. Despite this, the links between numbers of imported individuals and the establishment of non-native populations is not well known. In this study, we analysed data on imports of two well-known invasive parrots, the Monk Parakeet Myiopsitamonachus and the Ring-necked Parakeet Psittacula krameri, in Spain. We contrasted this information with the growth of known naturalised populations of these species from 1975 to 2015 and compared the success of these two species with other Psittaciformes imported in similar numbers into the country. We show that more than 190,000 Monk Parakeets were imported from Uruguay and Argentina, and almost 63,000 Ring-necked Parakeets were legally brought into the country from Pakistan and Senegal. For both species, wild populations grew exponentially following peak importation periods in 2015 (18,980–21,455 Monk Parakeets and 3,005–3,115 Ring-necked Parakeets). Even though imports of the two species were banned in Spain in 2005, wild populations are now self-sustaining. We argue that these parrot populations started from accidental and deliberate bird escapes, especially from birds originally captured in the wild. Although lack of more precise data makes it difficult for us to propose clear statistical associations between imports and established bird populations, we nonetheless suggest that the international trade is with some certainty the main cause for the origin of naturalised populations of invasive species in Spain. Our conclusions are useful to help manage similar animal groups that are numerous in the wildlife trade, especially for wild-caught social species.—Lucrecia Souviron-Priego, Antonio Roman Munoz, Jesus Olivero, J. Mario Vargas & John E. Fa. (2018). The legal international wildlife trade favours invasive species establishment: the Monk and Ring-neked Parakeets in Spain. Ardeola, 65: 233–246.
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unrelenting spread of the alien Monk Parakeet myiopsitta monachus in israel is it time to sound the alarm
Pest Management Science, 2017Co-Authors: Jose Luis Postigo, Assaf Shwartz, Diederik Strubbe, Antonioroman MunozAbstract:BACKGROUND: Monk Parakeets, Myiopsitta monachus Boddaert, are native to South America but have established populations in North America, Europe, Africa and Asia. They are claimed to act as agricultural pests in their native range, and their communal stick nests may damage human infrastructure. Although several Monk Parakeet populations are present in the Mediterranean Basin and temperate Europe, little empirical data are available on their population size and growth, distribution and potential impact. We investigated the temporal and spatial dynamics of Monk Parakeets in Israel to assess their invasion success and potential impact on agriculture. RESULTS: Monk Parakeet populations are growing exponentially at a higher rate than that reported elsewhere. The current Israeli population of Monk Parakeets comprises approximately 1500 individuals. The distribution of the species has increased and shifted from predominantly urban areas to agricultural landscapes. CONCLUSIONS: 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.
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assessing the potential range expansion of the exotic Monk Parakeet in spain
Diversity and Distributions, 2006Co-Authors: Antonioroman Munoz, Raimundo RealAbstract:In this study we determine favourable areas for the Monk Parakeet, Myiopsitta monachus , in peninsular Spain to account for its current distribution and predict its future course according to its potential range. We applied a favourability function based on generalized linear models using the presence/absence of breeding colonies of the species and the values of a set of variables on the 5167 UTM 10 × 10 km squares comprising the study area. We calculated the factor of distribution change in presences predicted by the model, and grouped the variables into explanatory factors performing a variation partitioning to assess the explanatory power of each factor. Our model included six predictors to explain the presence and absence of the species. These predictors were grouped into three factors: human activity, climate, and topography. Purely human influences accounted for 63.8% of the variation of the final model, while topographical variables explained 15.2% and climate only 5.7%. We obtained a high distribution change factor in which the presences of the species were predicted to increase between two- and sevenfold. Taking into account highly favourable squares, we conclude that the species is still absent in more than 72% of potential settlement areas, and thus we expect a continuous increase in the distribution of the species. Human activity is the main force moulding the distribution of the species, and lies behind its fast expansion, which is not only active, but is also passive via releases and escapes. We identified the areas of likely future expansion of the exotic Monk Parakeet in Spain. The pest status of the species in its native range, together to its distribution trend, should be taken into account by wildlife agencies to consider options for management.