The red-billed leiothrix (Leiothrix lutea): a new invasive species for Britain?

Broughton, Richard K.; Ramellini, Samuele; Maziarz, Marta; Pereira, Pedro.F.

The red-billed leiothrix (Leiothrix lutea): a new invasive species for Britain?

Broughton, Richard K. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6838-9628; Ramellini, Samuele; Maziarz, Marta; Pereira, Pedro.F.. 2022 The red-billed leiothrix (Leiothrix lutea): a new invasive species for Britain? Ibis, 164 (4). 1285-1294. 10.1111/ibi.13090

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Official URL: https://doi.org/10.1111/ibi.13090

Abstract/Summary

Invasive non-native species (INNS) are one of the major threats to global biodiversity. Climate change and garden bird-feeding may facilitate the establishment of INNS. The Red-billed Leiothrix Leiothrix lutea is a small woodland passerine, native to subtropical Asia, that is an INNS in several parts of the world, including Europe, following escapes from the aviculture trade. Recently, populations of Red-billed Leiothrix have established in Spain, Portugal, Italy and France. Previous studies have shown that much of Europe is suitable for the species, including southern Britain. The Red-billed Leiothrix has not previously been considered as at high risk of establishment in Britain, but we document recent records, including a cluster in southern England, suggesting that establishment may already be underway. We discuss the potential negative impacts of this invasive species on local ecosystems, and how a warming climate and garden bird-feeding might assist their establishment in temperate Europe. We also highlight the importance of improved recording to monitor the potential establishment of INNS, such as the Red-billed Leiothrix, in Britain.

Item Type:

Publication - Article

Digital Object Identifier (DOI):

10.1111/ibi.13090

UKCEH and CEH Sections/Science Areas:

Biodiversity (Science Area 2017-24)

ISSN:

0019-1019

Additional Information:

Open Access paper - full text available via Official URL link.

NORA Subject Terms:

Ecology and Environment