Threats from introduced birds to native birds

Authors

Jack Baker, University of WollongongFollow
Kerinne J. Harvey, University of WollongongFollow
Kristine French, University of WollongongFollow

RIS ID

88159

Publication Details

Baker, J., Harvey, K. J. & French, K. (2014). Threats from introduced birds to native birds. Emu: austral ornithology, 114 (1), 1-12.

Abstract

Invasion by introduced species is a global threat to the natural environment, with major consequences for biodiversity, economies and societies. This paper reviews the literature documenting interactions between introduced and native bird species. Surprisingly, we found only ten cases of an introduced bird being involved in a process that threatened a population of a native bird with extinction and conclude there is little evidence that introduced birds are a major threat to avian diversity globally. The conservation priorities for managing interactions between introduced and native birds are: (1) strong, precautionary biosecurity policies and practices to discourage future introductions; (2) gaining knowledge about interspecific interactions; (3) managing threats where they affect the persistence or recovery of threatened and endemic island bird species; (4) managing the threat of hybridisation and (5) best practice, cost-effective management that defines threatening processes to avian diversity and uses adaptive management for threat abatement. Our review highlights the lack of evidence for detrimental effects of introduced birds on native avifauna and highlights the need for future work in this area.