Diazacon Inhibits Reproduction in Invasive Monk Parakeet Populations

Abstract

Abstract: Throughout the United States, managers lack safe, effective methods to control expanding populations of the invasive monk parakeet ( Myiopsitta monachus ). Because the reproductive inhibitor diazacon (20,25 diazacholesterol) has been used effectively in captive monk parakeets, we provided diazacon‐treated sunflower seeds to birds at electric utility substations inhabited by parakeets in south Florida, USA. Nest productivity (nestlings plus eggs with embryos) averaged 1.31 (SE = 0.45, n = 100 nests) at 6 treated sites compared to 4.15 (SE = 0.68, n = 50 nests) at 4 untreated sites, a 68.4% reduction. Exposure of native bird species to treated bait was infrequent. Diazacon is an effective means to reduce reproductive success of monk parakeets, and development of methods to limit exposure of nontarget birds will enable more widespread use of this useful population management technique.