Nearly 15,000 breeding pairs of ring-necked parakeets now call the UK home – a stark contrast to their native habitats in Asia and Africa. This explosion in numbers has sparked a national conversation about their ecological impact, with naturalist Chris Packham's documentary, 'Invasion of the Parakeets', at its centre.
Theories abound on how these birds first arrived in Britain, with some crediting birds released after the filming of 'The African Queen' in 1951, or a pair set free by Jimi Hendrix's girlfriend as a 'gift to peace' in the late 1960s. Many are also thought to be descendants of the half a million exotic birds imported into the UK between 1975 and 2005, when pet parrots were all the rage.
But Packham isn't just interested in where they came from – he's focused on whether these parakeets constitute an invasive species. He delves into claims of damage to native bird populations, such as competition for nesting sites with species like nuthatches, starlings, and woodpeckers. The documentary also addresses public concerns over ruined fruit crops and nuisance issues like defecation on vehicles.
While some individuals have strong opinions, the scientific consensus suggests that parakeets currently aren't having a significant adverse effect on native bird populations. However, Professor Tim Blackburn from University College London cautions that even small impacts – such as 10% of a farmer's crop being lost – could be disastrous for businesses, particularly those dependent on fruit-loving species like parakeets. Some vineyards have adopted innovative methods, like playing recordings of birds of prey, to deter the birds.
The documentary prompts viewers to consider what it means to be a 'native' species, given that nearly half of the UK's terrestrial fauna has been artificially introduced. Packham draws parallels with other introduced species, such as pheasets and red-legged partridges – valued at £3.3 billion to the UK economy through shooting industries.