Abstract

GURROLA-LOPEZ, Guadalupe Humberto; RIVERA-RODRIGUEZ, Laura Beatriz; GONZALEZ-BERNAL, Marco Antonio  and  MEDINA-OSUNA, Rubén Eduardo. Records of the Monk Parakeet (Myiopsitta monachus) in Culiacan, Sinaloa. Huitzil [online]. 2023, vol.24, n.1, e648.  Epub Oct 20, 2023. ISSN 1870-7459.  https://doi.org/10.28947/hrmo.2023.24.1.657.

The Monk Parakeet, Myiopsitta monachus is an invasive exotic species that has increased its distribution in Mexico, although its presence in Sinaloa has not been evaluated. In May 2013, we recorded for the first time a pair of M. monachus along the Tamazula River, next to the Culiacán city zoo. During 2018, we surveyed the river area monthly, both to the east and west of the initial sighting, as well as routes to the north and south to detect presence of M. monachus in the urban area adjacent to the river. We obtained more records of M. monachus along the riverbank of the Tamazula River near the zoo, where the first record was made in 2013 and where we observed nesting. In addition, we obtained records of the species to the northeast of the Tamazula River by the university grounds, where there were large groups of up to 35 individuals. In 2021, we received reports of M. monachus building nests on power poles on the west side of the Humaya River, 3.7 km from the first record in 2013. Based on all the observations, we estimated a 2.6 km2 distribution area for M. monachus in Culiacan. Our results give an early warning of the distribution expansion and population growth of M. monachus in the city. Their construction of nests on urban structures, as well as records of M. monachus near the urban border, represent a risk for infrastructure and native species, thereby requiring control programs for this species.

Keywords : Distribution; invasive exotic species; new record; Psittacidae; urban birds.

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