Nest-building behavior of Monk Parakeets and insights into potential mechanisms for reducing damage to utility poles.

ABSTRACT: The Monk Parakeet (Myiopsitta monachus) commonly uses utility poles as a substrate for building large, bulky nests. These nests often cause fires and electric power outages, creating public safety risks and increasing liability and maintenance costs for electric companies. Previous research has focused on lethal methods and chemical contraception to prevent nesting on utility poles and electrical substations. However, implementation of lethal methods has led to public protests and lawsuits, while chemical contraception may affect other than the targeted species, and must be continually reapplied for effectiveness. One non-lethal alternative, nest removal, is costly and may not be a sustainable measure if Monk Parakeet populations continue to grow. In order to identify cost-effective non-le

SUBMITTER: Burgio KR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4183950 | biostudies-literature | 2014

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature