Friday 26 / April / 2024
Muscat: More than 35,000 targeted invasive birds were eliminated in Dhofar Governorate by the national campaign to combat invasive birds during the period from December 13, 2022 to February 1, 2023.
The national campaign to combat invasive birds was launched in the Dhofar Governorate, and will last for several months of this year. It includes other governorates such as the Governorate of Muscat and the Governorate of North Al Batinah.
A report issued by the Environment Authority today stated that about 25 thousand and 786 of the numbers of the myna bird, and about 9 thousand and 368 of the numbers of the Indian crow were eliminated in each of the Wilayats of Salalah, Taqa, Mirbat and Sadah in the Dhofar Governorate, and that it is one of the most invasive and intrusive birds.
These types of birds are affecting the ecosystem and biological balance, forming an imbalance in natural food chains.
They also cause damages to health through transmission of diseases such like bird flu viruses, economic damages due to the destruction of agricultural crops, fruits, fields and orchards, and social damages due to its access to public property and its disturbing sounds.
The report indicated that the field teams participating in the campaign to combat invasive birds relied on the use of various control mechanisms and means, the most prominent of which are: launching by air weapons as they are safe, effective and less harmful to humans, the use of cages of all kinds, isolated tables and dealing with nests. This campaign was accompanied by field survey monitoring operations for research purposes.
In addition, all mechanisms are used according to approved protocols, in which public safety procedures and rules are applied.
The specialized field surveys team visited the sites included in the campaign in the first phase, and the comparison of the results concluded that the numbers of myna birds and Indian crow birds decreased significantly.
The results also showed the monitoring of 57 modern species of wild birds in various locations, some of which have not been seen for a long time. This is a clear indication confirming the success of the campaign in achieving a good percentage of its goals in restoring the natural balance of the ecosystem.
The campaign coincides with the implementation of field awareness and guidance programs to help volunteers and community members to identify the types of invasive birds that pose a threat to various aspects, while enhancing their culture and encouraging them to contribute, whether through how to use control mechanisms and means, or participate in inspection campaigns on ornamental bird shops and peddlers.
In addition, farmers are directed to cover fruits and crops, as well as to work to close any open garbage in all its forms and distribution sites.
