Description
Though parrots from Mexico, South and Central America, and other countries have become naturalized in Southern California, their presence is not reflected by ample study or literature. The impacts of these non-native species on their new environment are thus unknown. The urban environments of Southern California serve as residence of at least thirteen parrot species. Given there is no standard protocol for surveys of introduced parrots, we will estimate population size by conducting point-counts with a double-observer dependent approach. This approach will increase detection probability and decrease duplicate or false detections. The primary and secondary observer will alternate between point-counts over the course of approximately one mile transects. We will conduct five ten-minute point-counts with a 200m fixed radius per transect, totaling to seven transects. These methods may change, likely to roost surveys as we determine more efficient ways to monitor large roosts during winter. By monitoring these parrots, we will be better equipped to determine changes in population size and use of an urban environment.
Establishing a Monitoring Program to Estimate Urban Parrot Populations in San Diego
Though parrots from Mexico, South and Central America, and other countries have become naturalized in Southern California, their presence is not reflected by ample study or literature. The impacts of these non-native species on their new environment are thus unknown. The urban environments of Southern California serve as residence of at least thirteen parrot species. Given there is no standard protocol for surveys of introduced parrots, we will estimate population size by conducting point-counts with a double-observer dependent approach. This approach will increase detection probability and decrease duplicate or false detections. The primary and secondary observer will alternate between point-counts over the course of approximately one mile transects. We will conduct five ten-minute point-counts with a 200m fixed radius per transect, totaling to seven transects. These methods may change, likely to roost surveys as we determine more efficient ways to monitor large roosts during winter. By monitoring these parrots, we will be better equipped to determine changes in population size and use of an urban environment.