Muscat – The Environment Authority (EA) has launched an electronic monitoring platform for the national campaign targeting invasive birds across Oman.

The campaign is part of EA’s efforts to curb the spread of invasive bird species and raise public awareness on their environmental risks. 

The interactive platform provides weekly updates and statistical data on the spread of invasive species, particularly the common myna and the house crow, across different governorates.

According to data released through the platform, more than 1.67mn invasive birds were recorded between 2022 and 2026, including over 1.44mn mynas and around 230,000 crows.

North Batinah recorded the highest number of sightings, with more than 1.09mn birds monitored during the period, followed by South Batinah with 285,086 birds, Muscat with 198,458 and Dhofar with 96,232.

A total of 48,446 invasive birds were recorded in 2026, including 37,910 mynas and 10,536 crows.

The electronic dashboard enables the public to track invasive bird populations through an interactive system and supports national efforts to protect biodiversity and reduce the ecological impact of invasive species.

Mynas, which are native to Pakistan, India, China, Sri Lanka, Nepal and western Indonesia, belong to the starling family. These birds are 22-25cm long with wings that extend to 36.5cm when flying. These are medium-sized birds with a black head and yellow feet.

Mynas affect the food chain in the areas of their existence and attack other birds’ nests, killing 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’.

These birds cause significant damage by destroying crops, eating bees and transmitting disease, parasites and fleas to humans and animals.

The house crow is found across the Indian subcontinent south of the Himalayas.

The authority said the campaign is part of programmes aimed at preserving Oman’s natural ecosystems and encouraging community participation in environmental monitoring and reporting.