Human-Related Processes Drive The Richness Of Exotic Birds In Europe

Main Category: Biology / Biochemistry
Also Included In: Veterinary
Article Date: 10 Sep 2008 - 3:00 PDT

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We examined the relative effect of human-related and natural factors in determining the richness of exotic bird species established across Europe.

We discover that the most important factor is the number of exotic species introduced. Another important factor is the human footprint (human population size, land use and infrastructure).

We provide the first map of exotic bird richness in Europe. South Eastern England is the richest hotspot of established birds, followed by Belgium and The Netherlands.

Allowing future introductions of exotic birds into Europe should be reconsidered carefully, as the number of introduced species is the main factor determining the number established.

Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences

Proceedings B is the Royal Society's flagship biological research journal, dedicated to the rapid publication and broad dissemination of high-quality research papers, reviews and comment and reply papers. The scope of journal is diverse and is especially strong in organismal biology.

Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences