Oahu’s Beautiful Invader The Rose Ringed Parakeet

Hawaii, a paradise celebrated for its unique beauty and vibrant local culture, is now grappling with a colorful yet problematic resident. The Red ringed parakeet also known as the Rose-ringed parakeet (Psittacula Krameri), is a colorful non-native bird to Hawaii and has been officially documented as a significant threat to the islands because of their delicate ecosystem and agricultural economy. What was once considered an exotic pet has now become a central point of conflict, forcing officials and residents to confront a difficult question: how do we manage a beautiful but destructive invader that is creating a series of complex issues with its unchecked population growth.

According to a report from the Hawaii Invasive Species Council (HISC),

Hawaii Invasive Species Council the government body dedicated to controlling such threats, the Red-Ringed parakeet is classified as a Federal Injurious wildlife species. The HISC report details the birds' significant impacts, including damage to Native Hawaiian agricultural including grains, oil seeds, fruits, ornamental and native plants like lychee, papaya, mango, orange, and longan to name a few Hawaii Injurious Wildlife (HAR 124).. The Red Ringed Parakeet also spreads seeds of invasive species of plants including ivy gourd and miconia and they also have the potential to spread disease. The parakeet can become aggressive and compete with native Hawaiian birds for food and nesting sites.

So why not just cull or hunt the Red Ring parakeet population? Even if hunting were allowed, it would be largely impractical and unsafe. The parakeets have established large populations in densely populated urban and suburban areas of O’ahu, such as around Honolulu and Waikiki. Allowing the general public to discharge firearms in these areas would pose an extreme risk to human life and property. Furthermore, the sheer number of the birds on O'ahu has grown so large and out of control that eradication is now considered impossible. The birds presence in Hawaii has become such a problem, that they now have caused and are responsible for an average of 10% in loses for the farmers and their respective crops across the Islands. This is a critical issue for the biodiversity on Oahu and must move beyond aesthetics.

This issue cannot be ignored. We must recognize that the beauty of an invasive species does not negate its ecological and economic harm. It's a call for residents, policymakers, and environmental groups to come together. Support sustainable and humane management strategies, advocate for increased funding for invasive species control, and educate others on the importance of responsible pet ownership to prevent similar introductions. The future of Hawaii's natural heritage depends on collective action to protect it from these beautiful but devastating invaders.