Mattia Menchetti

Worldwide impact of alien parrots (Aves Psittaciformes) on native biodiversity and environment: a review

More than 16% of parrot species (Aves Psittaciformes) of the world have currently established at least one breeding population outside their natural distribution ranges. Though including the most introduced bird species all over the world, their interactions with native biodiversity and environments are still poorly known. In this paper, we summarize current knowledge about impacts of introduced Psittaciformes and we identify possible gaps to be filled with future research. Breeding site requirements of alien parrots, e.g. trunk cavities, indicate potential routes of direct and indirect competition with native hole-nesting bird species. Interactions with arboreal rodents, bats and insects are poorly documented, but appear to be limited. Psittaciformes potentially affect economy and human wellness, being responsible for damage to crops and to electrical infrastructures. Association with noise pollution has also been suggested, as many alien populations breed in urban parks or close to human settlements. Psittaciformes are potential reservoirs of Chlamydophila psittaci, the etiological agent of human psittacosis, and other diseases transmittable to humans and wildlife. Less is known about impact on native flora as well as on ecosystem functions. Predictive research and information on ecosystem recovery after parrot removal are scarce too, as eradication programs are often hampered by the emotional affiliation linked to these birds.

When quills kill: the defense strategy of the crested porcupine Hystrix cristata L., 1758

Abstract Quills represent specialized morphological structures evolved by some mammal species to deter predators. Among quilled mammals, crested porcupines Hystrix spp. exhibit the most complex armor. The antipredator behavior of these rodents is poorly known. In this study, we describe in detail the defense strategies of Hystrix cristata when attacked by hunting dogs. We identified four kinds of display exhibited by porcupines. Tail rattling seems to be sufficient to repel solitary predators, while backyard/sideways attacks are exhibited only in extreme situations, or when numerical disparity among potential prey and predators occurs. We also report four cases of wild species killing by porcupines.

Interspecific den sharing: a study on European badger setts using camera traps

Many mammals, both potential competitors and preys, have been reported to use the complex burrow system of European badger Meles meles setts as shelter, mainly in northern Europe and during winter, when badgers are lethargic. Nonetheless, until recent times observations of den sharing have been largely restricted to anecdotal information, because of the mainly nocturnal activity of most sett occupants. Using camera-trapping, we investigated both the mammal fauna associated with 24 badger setts located in northern and central Italy, and seasonal variation in the composition of specific assemblages, without interfering with the occupants’ activity. Trapping effort was 1,605 camera trap-days from December 2010 to December 2013. Badgers (two to six individuals per sett) shared their setts with a total of eight mammal species: crested porcupine Hystrix cristata, Eastern cottontail Sylvilagus floridanus, red fox Vulpes vulpes, pine marten Martes martes, stone marten Martes foina, wood mouse Apodemus sp., brown rat Rattus norvegicus and coypu Myocastor coypus. Den sharing was observed throughout the year, with a significant reduction of sharing during winter, when badgers were probably induced to move to alternative setts to avoid breeding porcupines. Eastern cottontails used badger burrows permanently and, at least in one occasion, reared their pups inside, although they can be easily preyed upon by badgers. Badger sett sharing may have favoured both the recent northward expansion of crested porcupines and settling of introduced cottontails in agricultural habitats.

Rose-ringed parakeet **Psittacula krameri** populations and numbers in Europe : a complete overview

Alien species are considered one of the major causes contributing to the current loss of biodiversity. Over the past few decades, a large and increasing number of alien species have become invasive in many parts of the world. Their impacts range from competition for resources with native species to damage of urban infrastructure. In Europe, over a thousand alien species are now established, of which 74 are birds. Among 12 established alien parrot species in Europe, the Rose-ringed Parakeet (RRP) Psittacula krameri (Scopoli, 1769) is the most abundant and widespread. Since the 1960s, RRPs have established more than 100 wild populations in several European countries. For Western Europe, long-term demographic data indicate the species has grown considerably in number, although some populations have failed to persist. Data is scarce and dispersed for countries in Central, Eastern and Northern Europe. Therefore, here we present detailed demographic data of RRP for 90 populations in 10 European countries. Furthermore, we present information on the status of the species in another 27 European countries, for which previously no data were published. Our synthesis reveals a positive demographic trend across the continent, although locally, some populations appear to have reached carrying capacity.

Effects of the Recent World Invasion by Ring-Necked Parakeets Psittacula krameri

Over 60 out of 355 currently living parrot species have established at least one breeding population outside their natural distribution ranges. Among those, the ring-necked parakeet is one of the most successful invaders. This species is a gregarious Afro-Asian parakeet with an extremely large distribution range, recorded in over 35 countries outside its native extent of occurrence. Despite being one of the most introduced bird species throughout the world, its interactions with native biodiversity and environment are not completely known and rely mainly on anecdotal evidence. Future researchers are therefore required to fill these gaps. Trunk cavities represent the preferred breeding sites of these alien parrots and indicate potential routes of direct and indirect competition with native hole-nesting bird species, such as nuthatches and starlings. Interactions with tree squirrels, bats and insects are rarely reported but may be more severe than currently known. Droppings by ring-necked parakeets may alter the herbaceous vegetation under the roost but direct cause–effect relationships for this phenomenon are hard to assess if no data about floral composition before the time of invasion is available. Ring-necked parakeets may have economic impacts, being responsible for crop damage, as well as societal impacts; three bird strikes with airplanes involved this species in England. The ring-necked parakeet is a potential reservoir of a plethora of diseases transmittable to humans and wildlife. No data concerning ecosystem recovery after the removal of ring-necked parakeets is available, as eradication and numerical control programmes are often hampered by the emotional affiliation which links humans to these bright birds.

Macroparasites of introduced parakeets in Italy: a possible role for parasite-mediated competition

Alien species are considered a cause of biodiversity loss throughout the world. An important but often overlooked form of competition with native species is the parasite-mediated one. Introduced species may bring their own parasites from their native ranges (spillover) or get native parasites from native species, thus increasing the parasites’ spread and transmission risk (spillback). Thus, a complete knowledge of parasites hosted by introduced species is important to assess and to possibly prevent impacts. Ring-necked and monk parakeets have been introduced in many European countries, where they established a number of alien reproductive populations. We sampled 21 ring-necked parakeets and 7 monk parakeets from Italy and identified 35 arthropod ectoparasites belonging to five species. Amongst those, one species was native to India (Neopsittaconirmus lybartota), where alien populations of ring-necked parakeet may have been originated, and one species from South America (Paragoniocotes fulvofasciatus), which is typically found of the monk parakeet in its native range. The other three species of arthropod parasites were native to Italy and commonly found on native species, suggesting the possibility of spillback processes.

Theriofauna of Site of Community Importance Poggi di Prata (Grosseto, Central Italy): terrestrial mammals and preliminary data on Chiroptera

Information about mammal species richness is scarce from the site Poggi di Prata (Central Italy). We performed a three-year survey with camera traps and spotlight surveys. Data on road kills and owl pellets were also collected. Bats were sampled through a bat acoustic detector, active search and occasional observations. A total of 33 native species were recorded, from seven orders: Erinaceomorpha (N = 1), Soricomorpha (N = 3), Rodentia (N = 7), Lagomorpha (N = 2), Chiroptera (N = 10), Carnivora (N = 8), Artiodactyla (N = 2). Five exotic species ( Dama dama , Myocastor coypus , Rattus rattus , R. norvegicus and Mus musculus ) are present, and an additional exotic, Sylvilagus floridanus , has been recorded in the 1990s, but never established. Rhinolophus hipposideros , is Endangered in Italy, R. euryale , R. ferrumequinum , Canis lupus and Capreolus c. italicus ) are Vulnerable, while Eptesicus serotinus and Plecotus auritus are Near Threatened. The presence of two Italian endemic taxa, Capreolus c. italicus and Lepus corsicanus , is noteworthy.

Evidence of carrion consumption behaviour in the long-eared owl Asio otus (Linnaeus, 1758) (Aves: Strigiformes: Strigidae)

Abstract Evidence of necrophagous behaviour has been reported for 8.43% of nocturnal raptors. To determine whether preys were captured alive or consumed as carrion is challenging, as the diet of Strigiformes is mainly studied through pellet analysis, rather than direct observation. The diet of the long-eared owl Asio otus has been widely studied all over the distribution range of this species, but proven evidence of this feeding habit is still lacking. We collected 106 pellets under a suburban dormitory in Southern Tuscany (Central Italy) between December 2012 and April 2013. Prey remains (skulls, mandibles) were compared with a specific atlas. Four fragments of crested porcupine (Hystrix cristata) quills and a jawbone of Martes sp. were found in pellets collected after a snowfall (20–40 cm in depth). Although voles and mice constituted the staple of the diet of this species, accordingly with previous studies, these findings represent the first proof of carrion consumption by the long-eared owl. Body sizes of crested porcupine and Martes sp,, as well as the defence behaviour of the rodent, rule out a direct predation by the owl. Our study enlarges the trophic spectrum of the long-eared owl, thus adding a further dimension to the behavioural plasticity of this species.

Seasonal and environmental influences on the calling behaviour of Eurasian Scops Owls

Capsule Spontaneous calls and replies to playback of Scops Owls were significantly more frequent during the breeding period, when paired birds defend territories. The probability of spontaneous calls varied with moon phase, with a peak occurring during nights with a full moon. In some cases, during the winter, Scops Owls responded to playback calls of Little Owls, thus suggesting possible intra-guild competition between these species.

Global distribution and status of introduced Siberian chipmunks Eutamias sibiricus

Emiliano MORI* Dipartimento di Scienze della Vita, Università degli Studi di Siena, Via P.A. Mattioli 4, 53100 Siena, Italy and Accademia Nazionale dei Lincei, Via della Lungara 10, 00165 Roma, Italy. Email: moriemiliano@tiscali.it Rudy ZOZZOLI Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche, della Vita e della Sostenibilità Ambientale, Università degli Studi di Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze, 11a, 43124 Parma, Italy. Eamil: zozzoli.rudy@gmail.com Mattia MENCHETTI Dipartimento di Biologia, Università degli Studi di Firenze, Via Madonna del Piano 6, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino (Florence), Italy. Email: mattiamen@gmail.com