Iron Curtain kept out alien birds (BBC) {invasive species} [View All]

[eppur_se_muova]

By Matt Walker
Editor, Earth News

The Iron Curtain that divided Europe for 46 years left an indelible imprint on the continent's wildlife.

The isolation of Eastern Europe meant that far fewer alien bird species colonised it, scientists have found.

Restrictions on the movement of people and trade into Eastern bloc countries prevented the birds entering.

While westerners imported exotic birds such as parrots and weavers, people in Eastern Europe introduced just a few game birds that were good for hunting.
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When they analysed the database, they were surprised to find that human activity has a bigger impact on bird introductions than either climate or latitude.
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more: http://news.bbc.co.uk/earth/hi/earth_news/newsid_8393000/8393611.stm