| dc.description.abstract | Urbanization and the global transport of animals are interconnected aspects of ecology that play significant roles in the conservation of species. Both scenarios are viewed in a mostly negative light – in part, urbanization can destroy habitat while the establishment of animals outside their native range can wreak havoc on ecosystems. In contrast, these urban landscapes may provide unique opportunities for some species which can take advantage of highly modified environments. Red-crowned Parrots are an Endangered species of Amazona parrot which are native to northeastern Mexico and the lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas, but also have naturalized populations in urban regions of southern California and Florida. My research sought to discover a timeline of the bird’s arrival in south Texas, determine current population size and productivity, as well as determine habitat use and threats. Species distribution modeling was also utilized to determine Red-crowned Parrot’s levels of dependency on urban areas throughout the United States. Besides Red-crowned Parrots, upwards of 59 parrot species have established naturalized populations outside their normal ranges, and while much has been written about the real and potential negative aspects of these populations, little effort has been made to describe the real or potential positives. In that essence, I set to review the benefits of naturalized parrot populations with a focus on conservation, research, and societal impacts. My work found a healthy and growing population of Red-crowned Parrots in south Texas which is heavily reliant on urban and suburban areas. In addition, populations found in southern California and Florida showed similar urban dependencies. Threats to these populations include poaching and hybridization with other naturalized and closely related Amazona parrots; after quantifying levels of hybridization and modeling the future of the south Texas population relative to this threat, I found that management actions may be needed to ensure the genetic integrity of this threatened population. Naturalized populations of threatened and endangered parrots hold potential to help mitigate population declines elsewhere and could represent valuable genetic reservoirs. When these populations are located within highly modified habitats, they may also help mitigate the potential biodiversity loss created by urbanization. Whether the birds were purposefully introduced or accidentally released or escaped captivity, those that do become naturalized may provide unique opportunities for researchers and conservation. | |
