The Madrid government plan to exterminate 12,000 Argentine parrots

The government of Madrid announced Monday that will significantly reduce the population of some 12,000 Argentine parrotsan invasive species whose rapid expansion threatens the ecosystem and even the security of the inhabitants of the Spanish capital.

The Madrid City Council said in a statement that the plan was aimed at "reducing and controlling the population of those who are winged in the capital", but without specifying the exact number pursued, "ethical sacrifice and sterilization eggs. "

These birds with green feathers and greyish breasts, originating from Argentina, but also from Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay and Bolivia, "have become a concern for citizens and we have received many complaints, "said Borja Carabante, the city's environmental officer.

Parrots compete "for food with other species" they have a "predatory activity"And they damage" the stalks and tender shoots of the vegetation with which they nest, "says the communique.Their nests, built at the top of the trees, they can reach 200 kilos, which one risk in the event of a fall for citizens, he added.

Imported as pets for decades, some of these birds have been released and have multiplied in the parks of the Spanish capital. Their numbers have increased by 33% since 2016, from 9,000 to 12,000, according to a study by the Spanish Ornithology Society, cited by the mayor's office.

Argentine parrots are listed as "invasive alien species" in Spain.