Nonindigenous Aquatic Birds

Importation of Nonindigenous Birds

Many people are tempted to introduce a species with a potential for establishment to promote hunting or other human activities (Evans 1960). Such preferences have led to international exploitation of species and to the releases of many birds. Most birds that are traded are perching birds (Passeriformes), and the most threatened birds are the parrots (Psittaciformes; Anonymous 1992). Although governmental restrictions reduced the number of traded wild birds since 1980, Argentina, Guyana, Indonesia, Senegal, and Tanzania continue to be major exporters (Anonymous 1992). The September 1992 TRAFFIC (USA) newsletter reported that approximately 2-5 million live birds are internationally traded every year (Anonymous 1992). At least 119 species have been introduced into North America; 39 species became established, 17 may be established, and 63 did or probably did not become established (Long 1989). Many nonindigenous birds have been introduced into Florida (Table 9). Between 1968 and 1970, approximately 123,721 canary winged parakeets (Brotogeris versicolurus) among 300,000 parrots were imported into the United States; and from 1968 to 1972, 3,706,500 birds in addition to canaries and parrots were imported (Long 1989). Examples of these imported species--which are rare in their native ranges because of habitat loss and commercial exploitation--are hyacinth macaws (Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus), caninde macaws (Ara caninde), and palm cockatoos (Probosciger aterrimus; Anonymous 1992). Many countries of the world have problems with unintentional introductions of birds.