engleski

Review of the alien bird species recorded on the Balkan Peninsula

The paper presents a review of the status of 16 alien species of birds recorded in five Balkan countries (Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, Montenegro, and FYR Macedonia). Most of the alien birds were recorded after the beginning of the 20th century, at least two of them have been kept as domestic birds for centuries. Half of the alien species of birds found so far on the Balkan Peninsula originates from the tropics (eight species), and the other half comes from the temperate zone. Most alien birds originate from the Americas (five species), three species originate from Africa, two species originate from both Africa and Asia, two species originate from East Asia, and two from Australia. Two species of Alectoris spp. originate from Europe (southwestern and southeastern parts, respectively). The main pathways of introduction of the alien bird species to the Balkan region include: (1) escapees (from zoos, parks, or similar collections, and pets), (2) secondary spread from European breeding populations introduced elsewhere, and (3) intentional introductions. The need of profound scientific studies before any introduction attempts is discussed. The Rose-ringed Parakeet is considered invasive and potentially the worst one. As for most of the other alien species, in general, a large increase in their numbers on the Balkan Peninsula in the near future is not expected. There are no any passerine alien species recorded so far but the occurrence of some passerine species from neighbouring regions is possible. The potential negative impact of translocated species as Chukar is also discussed.

Alien bird species, Balkan Peninsula, review

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