Tenerife Residents Call for Action Amid Reports of Parakeet Culling in Costa del Silencio

The management of invasive species in the Canary Islands is back in the spotlight following complaints from residents in Costa del Silencio, Tenerife. As reported by Diario de Avisos, locals are alarmed by the discovery of numerous dead parakeets, with many suspecting that the birds are being targeted and harassed.

This situation highlights the difficulty of managing invasive birds in urban areas. While some residents are calling for urgent action to address the birds as a public health and nuisance issue, others are reporting acts of animal cruelty, including the use of projectiles and illegal trapping. Witnesses claim that between 20 and 30 birds have been found dead, and they are now preparing a formal petition to demand that authorities intervene.

The case also reveals a lack of clarity regarding which government body is responsible for the issue. The Arona City Council has stated that it is not responsible, pointing instead to the Canary Islands government, which oversees the control of exotic wildlife. Meanwhile, the council’s Animal Welfare Department reports that no official complaints have been filed with their office regarding these incidents.

This conflict highlights the ongoing tension between protecting animal welfare and controlling non-native species that disrupt local ecosystems and residential life. The lack of a clear action plan and poor communication between the public and local authorities make it difficult to resolve a problem that reflects the broader challenges of managing invasive species in busy tourist and residential areas.