by Willa de Ruyter
The growing trend of people keeping exotic pet birds has led to an unexpected increase in lost and escaped birds in South Africa. A study by Dr Tinyiko Calvin Shivambu, a dedicated biological scientist with a profound interest in flora and fauna, examined online databases and social media reports to understand this problem, a study that earned him the front cover of the May 2024 edition of Diversity.
A total of 1,467 reports of lost, found, and sighted pet birds across 77 species were recorded, mostly from large cities in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, and Western Cape provinces. African greys, Cockatiels, and Rose-ringed parakeets were the most lost birds. The number of lost birds was linked to the number of pet shops and the size of the human population in the area. Small- to medium-sized and not docile birds were more likely to be reported as lost. This increase in lost pet birds raises concerns about potential environmental impacts, as some may become invasive species. This study highlights the need for better regulation and monitoring of the exotic pet bird trade. Online resources can help manage and understand the biological invasions of non-native birds.
Dr Shivambu boasts a comprehensive academic background. He earned his BSc in Botany and Zoology as well as a BSc Honours in Zoology from the University of Venda, followed by an MSc in Zoology from the University of Pretoria. Subsequently, he obtained his PhD in Zoology from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg Campus.
His research pursuits encompass a wide array of topics, including biological invasions, conservation biology, species diversity and distribution, wildlife trade, alien species risk assessment, molecular biology, and urban and rural ecology. He contributes significantly to management strategies and policy development by engaging in local and international projects, such as wildlife trade assessment, managing exotic invasive birds in urban areas, DNA barcoding of unidentified species prevalent in the pet trade, and investigating zoonotic diseases in pets. Dr. Shivambu's scholarly contributions are evidenced by his authored and co-authored articles and book chapters published in esteemed local and international accredited journals.
Furthermore, he actively participates in community engagement activities, serving as a reviewer for prestigious entities such as NRF, SANBI Alien Risk Analysis Panel (ASRARP), and nine scientific journals. His affiliations include memberships in prominent organizations like the International Ornithological Congress, the Entomological Society of South Africa, and the Zoological Society of Southern Africa. He is also associated with the Centre for Functional Biodiversity and CIB DST-NRF Centre of Excellence for Invasion Biology. A comprehensive list of his publications is available at ORCID or Google Scholar.
Dr Shivambu explained his interest in lost pet birds, saying: “My interest in lost pet birds stems from my extensive research on the ecology of invasive species. My former PhD supervisor, Prof Colleen Downs, introduced me to the world of ornithology. My PhD focused on aspects of the ecology of invasive rose-ringed parakeets in South Africa. This species is widely distributed in four cities: Pretoria, Johannesburg, Durban, and Cape Town, causing ecological instability to native cavity nesters. The rose-ringed parakeet became invasive through pet escapes in the 1900s, and their population has increased ever since without control management.”
Dr Tinyiko Shivambu
“As a zoologist and someone with expertise in the wildlife trade of various taxa, I saw a need to investigate if captivity or pet trade is playing a role in the pet escapes of other non-native birds, as these species are likely to become invasive if the environment permits and if they find a mating partner in the wild. This kind of work that I am doing on the wildlife trade contributes largely to the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act 10 of 2004 Alien and Invasive Species Regulation Lists of the Department of Forest, Fisheries and Environment,” he added.
Why is it important to prevent caged birds from going wild?
"It is important to prevent non-native pet birds from going wild because they can disrupt local ecosystems, compete with native species for resources, and introduce diseases. These birds can harm native wildlife and reduce biodiversity, leading to ecological imbalance. Additionally, managing invasive species can be costly and challenging. Preventing their escape helps protect native habitats and maintain ecological stability. In South Africa, with limited resources and minimal management implemented for invasive birds such as the invasive common myna (Acridotheres tristis) and rose-ringed parakeets (Psittacula krameri), which were introduced through the pet trade, it is especially crucial to prevent their spread to safeguard local ecosystems and biodiversity," Dr Shivambu concluded.