By Andrew Atkinson
PARAKEETS are causing concerns – not here in Spain but in SCOTLAND – leading to a potential ‘cull’ as has been the case in London and also in Spain.
In Glasgow wild parakeet flocks have settled in the City, leading to the Scottish Natural Heritage deeming them the most northerly flock of parrots in the world.
It is believed the parakeets were kept as pets – and either escaped – or deliberately released.
The main concerns are the invasive parakeets will affect local wildlife – as they do in Spain – along with bird droppings, causing diseases, in years ahead.
The government wildlife agency Scottish Natural Heritage are considering whether Scotland’s only breeding colony of ring-necked parakeets will have to be removed.
“If we allow the parakeet flocks to increase we may have to remove them. In London fruit farmers’ management is that of shooting them,” said the SNH.
Parakeets flocks have had an impact on the farming community within the Costa Blanca areas, insofar as damaging crops.
They also affect the wildlife, in taking over their territory within Spain, including the Vega Baja towns.