Abstract

CANAVELLI, Sonia B; ARAMBURU, Rosana  and  ZACCAGNINI, María Elena. Aspectos a considerar para disminuir los conflictos originados por los daños de la cotorra (Myiopsitta monachus) en cultivos agrícolas. Hornero [online]. 2012, vol.27, n.1, pp.89-101. ISSN 0073-3407.

Considerations for reducing conflicts around damage of agricultural crops by monk parakeet (Myiopsitta monachus).- The Monk Parakeet (Myiopsitta monachus) is considered among the most damaging bird pest species for crops in Argentina. Historically, lethal control has been preferred as the most effective method to decrease damage. However, objections to this method are increasing. We summarize problems involving parakeets and crop production, including crop damage characterization as well as ecological and human aspects involved in the conflicts. Additionally, we summarize available management alternatives to decrease crop damage. Although certain ecological characteristics of the Monk Parakeet would favour crop damage in some situations, human factors, such as damage overestimation and tendency to use population control methods (lethal and reproductive), probably contribute to a magnification of the dimensions of the conflict. This also will be favoured by the practically inexistent damage estimations on crops, making an objective evaluation of conflicts difficult. In order to develop a more sustainable agriculture, we urge the application of strategic management principles, with the development of multidisciplinary research to clearly identify conflicts, quantify the magnitude of damage, apply management alternatives appropriate for each situation and, finally, objectively evaluate the results in terms of costs and benefits.

Keywords : Conflict; Crop damage; Management; Monk Parakeet.

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