The Unseen Threat: Invasive Exotic Species Affect Traditional Knowledge of Native Birds in an Indigenous Community in Western Mexico

Invasive exotic species may contribute to changes in traditional knowledge by influencing how people recognize, name, and relate to wildlife. We used birds to assess whether the presence of introduced species may contribute to changes in people’s knowledge of native species within a Mexican Indigenous community. We used structured interviews to learn about the skills of community members in recognizing the identity and historic presence of common native and invasive exotic birds. We observed that species recognition was influenced by gender and age. Moreover, some species were better identified than others. The invasive exotic Quiscalus mexicanus was confused with native species. Two species were usually confused by interviewees: Zenaida asiatica and Streptopelia decaocto . Because both species are bioculturally different, implications for their use and management could be expected. We evidenced that invasive exotic birds can be confused with native species, which might affect the use, management, and conservation of biocultural resources.