Muscat – To combat invasive avian species, the Environment Authority (EA) has eliminated 68,284 birds in Dhofar so far.

A statement issued by EA said, ‘A team participating in the National Campaign to Combat Invasive Birds removed 68,284 invasive birds between December 13, 2022 and March 31, 2023.’

The statement further elaborated that of the birds eliminated, 45,163 were mynas and 23,121 were house crows. EA also reported the sighting of 57 other species of invasive birds that were not reported earlier.

The national campaign was launched in the wilayats of Salalah, Taqah, Mirbat and Sadah 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.