Parrots are among the most popular pets in the world and they are also some of the most illegally traded, particularly in Brazil. Some computational tools were recently developed by researchers based on molecular data...Parrots are among the most popular pets in the world and they are also some of the most illegally traded, particularly in Brazil. Some computational tools were recently developed by researchers based on molecular databases for taxonomy support, forensic identification and conservation purposes. In this study, the DNA Surveillance platform was used to build an online database tool for molecular identification of Brazilian Psittacids using DNA sequences of six mitochondrial genes. To illustrate possible taxonomic issues of the online tool due to interspecific hybridization or unresolved taxonomy, we focused on Amazona aestiva that is considered as one of the most common parrots in Brazil, commonly bred as pets, and considered to be part of a species complex with Amazona ochrocephala from South America. We provide three curated sequence databases, which allow the species identification of individuals or tissue samples of birds of the Psittacidae family using mitochondrial DNA markers, and a comprehensive description of a taxonomic issue involving the A. ochrocephala complex. The results obtained corroborate previous studies suggesting that these species are not reciprocally monophyletic, due to either an ancient hybridization in central Brazil, or, they maybe just are morpho-varieties of the same species. Alternatively, if A. aestiva and A. ochrocephala were considered as sister species, the data could be interpreted either as a result of secondary contact or incipient speciation. Beyond the use of mtDNA for species identification, the high mtDNA haplotype diversity observed in A. aestiva indicates its potential use in discrimination of lineages that could be an important auxiliary tool to certify the captive origin of legally commercialized parrots.展开更多
Background:Exotic parrots have established breeding populations in southeast Florida,including several species that nest in tree cavities.We aimed to determine the species identity,nest site requirements,relative nest...Background:Exotic parrots have established breeding populations in southeast Florida,including several species that nest in tree cavities.We aimed to determine the species identity,nest site requirements,relative nest abundance,geographic distribution,and interactions of parrots with native cavity-nesting bird species.Methods:We searched Miami-Dade County,Florida,and nearby areas for natural cavities and holes excavated by woodpeckers,recording attributes of potential nest trees.We inspected all cavities with an elevated video inspection system to determine occupancy by parrots or other birds.We mapped nearly 4000 citizen science observations of parrots in our study area corresponding to our study period,and used these to construct range maps,comparing them to our nesting observations.Results:Not all parrots reported or observed in our study area were actively breeding.Some parrots were observed at tree cavities,which previous studies have suggested is evidence of reproduction,but our inspections with an elevated video inspection system suggest they never initiated nesting attempts.Several parrot species did successfully nest in tree cavities,Red-masked Parakeets(Psittacara erythrogenys)and Orange-winged Parrots(Amazona amazonica)being the most common(n=7 and 6 nests,respectively).These two parrots had similar nesting requirements,but Orange-winged Parrots use nests with larger entrance holes,which they often enlarge.Geographic analysis of nests combined with citizen science data indicate that parrots are limited to developed areas.The most common parrots were less abundant cavity nesters than the native birds which persist in Miami’s urban areas,and far less abundant than the invasive European Starling(Sturnus vulgaris).Conclusions:Exotic parrots breeding elsewhere in the world have harmed native cavity-nesting birds through interference competition,but competitive interference in southeast Florida is minimized by the urban affinities of parrots in this region.The relative abundance and geographic distribution suggest that these parrots are unlikely to invade adjacent wilderness areas.展开更多
基金supported by FAPEMIG(PRONEX),FAPEMIG-Vale SA(RDP-00043-10/2010-1)CNPq(473428/2004-0,303558/2009-1,473809/2008-7 and Pro-Reitoria de Pesquisa da UFMG.).
文摘Parrots are among the most popular pets in the world and they are also some of the most illegally traded, particularly in Brazil. Some computational tools were recently developed by researchers based on molecular databases for taxonomy support, forensic identification and conservation purposes. In this study, the DNA Surveillance platform was used to build an online database tool for molecular identification of Brazilian Psittacids using DNA sequences of six mitochondrial genes. To illustrate possible taxonomic issues of the online tool due to interspecific hybridization or unresolved taxonomy, we focused on Amazona aestiva that is considered as one of the most common parrots in Brazil, commonly bred as pets, and considered to be part of a species complex with Amazona ochrocephala from South America. We provide three curated sequence databases, which allow the species identification of individuals or tissue samples of birds of the Psittacidae family using mitochondrial DNA markers, and a comprehensive description of a taxonomic issue involving the A. ochrocephala complex. The results obtained corroborate previous studies suggesting that these species are not reciprocally monophyletic, due to either an ancient hybridization in central Brazil, or, they maybe just are morpho-varieties of the same species. Alternatively, if A. aestiva and A. ochrocephala were considered as sister species, the data could be interpreted either as a result of secondary contact or incipient speciation. Beyond the use of mtDNA for species identification, the high mtDNA haplotype diversity observed in A. aestiva indicates its potential use in discrimination of lineages that could be an important auxiliary tool to certify the captive origin of legally commercialized parrots.
基金provided by the Florida International University Tropics Programthe Susan S.Levine Trust
文摘Background:Exotic parrots have established breeding populations in southeast Florida,including several species that nest in tree cavities.We aimed to determine the species identity,nest site requirements,relative nest abundance,geographic distribution,and interactions of parrots with native cavity-nesting bird species.Methods:We searched Miami-Dade County,Florida,and nearby areas for natural cavities and holes excavated by woodpeckers,recording attributes of potential nest trees.We inspected all cavities with an elevated video inspection system to determine occupancy by parrots or other birds.We mapped nearly 4000 citizen science observations of parrots in our study area corresponding to our study period,and used these to construct range maps,comparing them to our nesting observations.Results:Not all parrots reported or observed in our study area were actively breeding.Some parrots were observed at tree cavities,which previous studies have suggested is evidence of reproduction,but our inspections with an elevated video inspection system suggest they never initiated nesting attempts.Several parrot species did successfully nest in tree cavities,Red-masked Parakeets(Psittacara erythrogenys)and Orange-winged Parrots(Amazona amazonica)being the most common(n=7 and 6 nests,respectively).These two parrots had similar nesting requirements,but Orange-winged Parrots use nests with larger entrance holes,which they often enlarge.Geographic analysis of nests combined with citizen science data indicate that parrots are limited to developed areas.The most common parrots were less abundant cavity nesters than the native birds which persist in Miami’s urban areas,and far less abundant than the invasive European Starling(Sturnus vulgaris).Conclusions:Exotic parrots breeding elsewhere in the world have harmed native cavity-nesting birds through interference competition,but competitive interference in southeast Florida is minimized by the urban affinities of parrots in this region.The relative abundance and geographic distribution suggest that these parrots are unlikely to invade adjacent wilderness areas.
