When I was a kid, I wanted scientists to introduce animals like rhinos and monkeys and peacocks to America, just for the entertainment value.

I had no idea that this would be a problem for local biodiversity, but give me a break.

I was like eight years old, and my opinions on conservation biology have changed in the intervening years.

Now, usually, when we talk about an invasive species, we're talking about animals where there is no part of us that wants them in our neighborhood.

It's not like we find them any more interesting or beautiful than the animals we already have in our neighborhood.

Today's animal might be different.

Today's animal is the exact type of animal,

an eight-year-old, would want in the neighborhood.

And frankly, they're interesting enough

that even as an adult, I kind of want to see them around.

They are one of the most intelligent,

one of the most socially sophisticated, one of the most aesthetically pleasing, most fascinating animals on Earth.

And incidentally, they are also one of the most successful invasive species in recorded history.

This animal is native to the temperate and subtropical regions of Argentina.

They're not naturally all over the world, but with their tenacity and adaptability and a little bit

of our help, they now live all over the globe. Mexico, South Korea, Israel, Ireland, Spain, Italy, Greece, Great Britain, Canada, Japan, Belgium.

I could list countries for so long, you would start listening to another podcast.

And yes, American listeners, they live in the United States, probably in a city near you.

They are the Quaker Parr, the monk parakeet.

Myosida, Monacus.

I'm Mackin, this is species.

Welcome to the show.

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