A study published in the open-access journal NeoBiota reveals UK residents’ complex perceptions of the ring-necked parakeet (Psittacula krameri), an introduced species now prevalent across various urban and rural settings in the country.

Titled “Not in the countryside please! Investigating UK residents’ perceptions of an introduced species, the ring-necked parakeet,” the study centres on an online survey of 3,947 residents investigating their awareness of, knowledge of, and attitudes towards ring-necked parakeets in the UK.

Key findings reveal a high awareness (90.2%) of the ring-necked parakeet among participants, with a significant proportion able to identify the bird by name. Preferences for having these birds in local neighbourhoods are low (7.80%), with a notable difference in perceptions towards the RNP’s presence in urban and rural areas.