The exotic, rainbow-coloured bird in your living room may be your pride and joy, but if it flutters out of your reach into the wild, it could destroy South Africa's fragile ecosystem.
These are the findings of a new study conducted by Tshwane University of Technology biological scientist Dr Tinyiko Cavin Shivambu.
Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, and the Western Cape recorded the highest number of lost birds.
Shivambu and his team examined and analysed online databases of lost, found and sighted non-native pet bird reports in the country to evaluate non-native pet bird statuses, investigate geographic patterns, assess species trends and determine the factors associated with lost pet birds.
The study, titled Evaluating the Status of Lost, Found and Sighted Non-Native Pet Bird Species in South Africa, was prompted by the “global increase in the pet trade and ownership of pet birds has heightened the introduction of emerging invasive vertebrate species”.
The study identified 1,467 case reports representing 77 species across nine families from websites and Facebook pages.
It found the majority of reports of lost birds were within large cities, in populated provinces such as Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, and the Western Cape.
The African grey, cockatiel and rose-ringed parakeet were among the top species reported as lost.
“Lower-priced species were commonly reported as lost and there was no association between the species’ price and the likelihood of being found. In addition, we found a positive relationship between species reported as lost and the number of pet shops, human population size, species size, and docility. There was a sharp increase in lost cases from 2019 onwards; however, males were more frequently lost,” the study found.
“Our findings highlight challenges in regulating and monitoring the pet ownership and trade of non-native pet birds and the need to address commonly kept species in conservation efforts.”
“It is important to prevent non-native pet birds from going wild because they can disrupt local ecosystems, compete with native species for resources and introduce diseases
— TUT biological scientist Dr Tinyiko Cavin Shivambu
This week, Shivambu urged pet owners to ensure that their “non-native pet birds” do not escape.
“It is important to prevent non-native pet birds from going wild because they can disrupt local ecosystems, compete with native species for resources and introduce diseases,” said Shivambu.
“These birds can harm native wildlife and reduce biodiversity, leading to ecological imbalance. Additionally, managing invasive species can be costly and challenging. Preventing their escape helps protect native habitats and maintain ecological stability.
“In South Africa, with limited resources and minimal management implemented for invasive birds such as the invasive common mynah (Acridotheres tristis) and rose-ringed parakeets (Psittacula krameri), which were introduced through the pet trade, it is especially crucial to prevent their spread to safeguard local ecosystems and biodiversity.
“Parrots and other charismatic bird species frequently go missing” he said.
“Though a quantification survey is needed, here are some common reasons why parrots go missing in South Africa. Parrots often escape during flight or handling through open windows or doors, or by slipping out of loose harnesses. Inadequate enclosures with weak locks can also lead to pet escapes,” he said.
“Parrots may get startled by loud noises or sudden movements, causing them to fly away in panic. Additionally, parrots with unclipped wings are more likely to escape if not properly supervised, particularly undocile species. Some of these reasons are often included by keepers when reporting their pets as lost.”
Shivambu said lost parrots may adapt to new environments but not all species can thrive outside captivity.
“Birds with a history of surviving independently without human aid, such as monk parakeets, rose-ringed parakeets, African grey parrots, lovebirds, common mynahs, and rock doves, are more likely to adapt successfully.”
He said local bird rescue organisations play a crucial role in rehabilitating and rehoming lost parrots.
“However, a significant issue arises when alien invasive species are adopted by individuals who may lack the experience or skills necessary for proper care,” said Shivambu.
“This can lead to escapes or intentional releases into the wild, contributing to the potential establishment of these species in new environments. Such releases can result in ecological imbalances and competition with native species, highlighting the need for careful consideration and screening of potential adopters to prevent unintended environmental impacts.”
He said though there have not been particularly unusual behaviours reported for lost pet birds, some species with a history of invasion and aggression, are often not found after going missing.
“For example, the invasive rose-ringed parakeets, which have established populations in major South African cities such as Johannesburg, Pretoria, Durban, and Cape Town, exhibit behaviours that impact native species,” he said.
“These parakeets are known to take over the nests of native cavity-nesting birds during the breeding season, which can disrupt local ecosystems.
“This has led concerned residents to create artificial nests to support the breeding and flourishing of native bird species. Such examples illustrate how invasive species can significantly affect their new environments and highlight the complex interactions between introduced and native wildlife.”
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