Parakeets Invade Hawaii
Imported Parakeets are devastating Hawaii's agriculture and ecosystem
On the Hawaiian island of Kauai, rose-ringed parakeets, which are often kept as pets, have bred in the wild, destroying farms and bothering residents. They may also be threatening native plants.
"It's the most complicated wildlife problem I've ever dealt with", says biologist Bill Lucey. The invasive species are making life hard for local farmers. "Last year I lost about 30 percent of my crop", says Jerry Ornelas. But they are also threatening Hawaii's delicate ecosystem. "The invasion of Hawaii by invasive species is the single greatest threat to not only Hawaii's natural resources, but to its economy, agriculture, and to the health and lifestyle of Hawaii's people", says biologist Josh Atwood.
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