Muscat – As part of its efforts to combat invasive birds, the Environment Authority (EA) eliminated 35,154 invasive birds in Dhofar.

A statement issued by EA said, ‘A team participating in the National Campaign on Combating Invasive Birds removed 35,154 invasive birds between December 13, 2022 and February 1, 2023.’

Elaborating further, it informed that 25,786 mynas and 9,368 house crows were eliminated. EA also reported the sighting of 57 species of invasive birds that were not reported earlier.

The national campaign was launched in Dhofar and will continue for several months covering other governorates, including Muscat and North Batinah.

Invasive birds influence the ecosystem in a negative way. They cause biological imbalance by disrupting the natural food chain. They also transmit diseases, like bird flu, and destroy agricultural crops, fruits and orchards.

In April 2022, EA formed a team to conduct a study on checking the spread of invasive species and developing a national strategy. The authority has onboarded an international ornithologist and prepared an integrated plan to confront these birds.

The myna, originating from India, China, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Nepal and Indonesia, belong to the starling family. These birds are 22-25cm long with wings-pans of 36.5cm. They affect the food chain in the areas of their existence.

Mynas attack other birds’ nests and kill the young ones. In 2000, the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) declared the bird among ‘100 of the World’s Most Invasive Species’.

EA’s campaign in Dhofar was termed a success, as it met its target of restoring balance to the natural ecosystem.