User:Wardsar6/sandbox

Invasion Status in the Americas [edit]

In 1974, less than 50 Eurasian Collared Doves escaped captivity in Nassau, New Providence, Bahamas. From the Bahamas, the species spread to Florida, and is now found in nearly every state in the US, as well as in Mexico. In Arkansas (United States), the species was recorded first in 1989 and since then has grown in numbers and is now present in 42 of 75 counties in the state. It spread from the southeast corner of the state in 1997 to the northwest corner in 5 years, covering a distance of about 500 km at a rate of 100 km per year. This is more than double the rate of 45 km per year observed in Europe. Interestingly, as of 2012, few negative impacts have been demonstrated in Florida, where the species is most prolific. However, the species is known as an aggressive competitor, and there is concern that as populations continue to grow, native birds will be outcompeted by the invaders. While the spread of disease to native species has not been recorded in a study, Eurasian Collared Doves are known carriers of the parasite [Trichomonas gallinae] as well as [Pigeon Paramyxovirus]. Both [Trichomonas gallinae] and [Pigeon Paramyxovirus] can spread to native birds via commingling at feeders and by consumption of doves by predators. [Pigeon Paramyxovirus] is an emergent disease and has the potential to affect domestic poultry, making the Eurasian Collared Dove a threat to not only native biodiversity, but a possible economic threat as well.