Weld invasive species that reach the country in different ways (Imported as pets, by accident, etc.) And which are once free, can adapt to certain ecosystems that transform themselves into harmful elements for it, by competing to develop or attack resources with local species and/or until they disappear. The Cotors They are a good example of this.
Argentinian and Kramer -PRAIDEN VVEN EXOTIC BIRDS That after decades of expansion in urban environments they assume that a serious threat to local biodiversity, trees, structural safety and public health because of the damage they cause and the diseases they can convey.
The National Association of Environmental Health Companies (Anecpla) requires a national strategy of control over CotorsThose common technical criteria, credited specialized companies and real coordination between administrations to guarantee effective, safe and sustainable interventions.
The situation is untenable
From the Anecpla warns of the growing problem involved in the control of parrots in urban spaces And demands a coordinated, effective and technical criteria intervention to prevent the aggravation of the effects that these invasive exotic birds cause biodiversity, public health and plants of heritage of many Spanish cities.
“He Control of the parrots cannot continue to approach improvisation. It is urgent to establish a joint and sustainable strategy in the time it makes it possible to put the negative effects that causes this species in our urban environments, ”requires Jorge Galván, general manager of Anecpla.
The management is very not effective and disorderly off the parrots
Currently, the most common measure for checking these birds is the withdrawal of nests into trees, a practice that has proved to be counterproductive. This technique stops far from its progress, causes a rebound effect: Cotors double the construction of nests as a defensive mechanism. Moreover, the withdrawal implies important technical and logistics complications because of the level of the nests, which considerably increase the costs for the municipalities.
“Es Absurd to continue with methods such as nests as proven that it only multiplies the problem. We need effective, sustainable and technical support solutions, “says Galván.
Others Strategies such as capturing with networks at soil level have had limited and punctual effectiveness. “They are extremely intelligent birds, they learn to quickly and after the first catches they do not avoid falling on the floor,” they explain from Anecpla.
One of the The most important obstacles to improve in effective control is institutional non -coordination. While the State, the autonomous communities and the municipalities discuss their powers, it is the local authorities who experience the problem directly without a clear framework. This, although there is already specific legislation on invasive exotic species that consider their control and possible extermination when they generate negative effects.
“He The problem is not the lack of regulations, but the absence of interpretation and common application. We have a clear law, but every administration acts alone and without coordination, which prevents an effective reaction, “says Galván.
The damage is numerous, varied and large
Weld Cotors not only go to other indigenous species, but also cause important damage to trees and shrubs. The construction of nests implies the fracture of branches and shoots, which weakens the urban flora. Moreover, the enormous nests – which can exceed more than 100 kilos – are a structural risk because of their weight and hinder the withdrawal tasks.
In the health field, the transmission of diseases is concerned by their droppings, such as Toxoplasmosis, adding a risk factor for public health. “We are talking about an environmental problem, but also about public health and the security of the citizen. You cannot continue to ignore,” warns the director of Anecpla.
The solution must be professional and sustainable
From Anecpla, the urgent need for Set up a national strategy based on technical criteria and performed by accredited professionals. “It is essential to create an official record of specialized companies that have specific training and meet the legal requirements for the use of tools such as carbines, catching or withdrawal methods of height nests,” they point out.
“The municipalities must know what they are Working with trained and authorized professionals. This will provide legal security, efficiency in the management of Cotors Invasters and peace for all involved, “says Galván.
Checking this plague cannot be tackled from a short -term vision. Cases such as Zaragoza show that Constant monitoring and the use of multiple techniques can significantly reduce populationsBut only with a persistent action in time and different scales (municipal, regional and state).
In this sense, Anecpla advises the use of contraceptives in a general way, given its potential impact on other birds, including protected species, and the difficulty in control the dosage and its effect. “We cannot run the risk of damaging other species. Contraceptives are not the solution from controlled environments. You have to act with responsibility and knowledge, “concludes Galván.