In Doha, Qatar, the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MoECC) has launched a campaign to control the invasive Myna bird population. Over the past year, the Ministry has trapped approximately 8,800 Myna birds as part of its efforts to preserve the country’s ecological balance. The Ministry has been using 200 cages to capture these birds from various locations across the country, with 4,000 birds caught just from January to April 2024.
The Myna bird, originally from Southeast Asia, has been identified as a significant ecological threat in Qatar. These birds are known for their aggressive behavior towards other bird species and their detrimental impact on biodiversity. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has listed the Myna bird as one of the world’s most aggressively invasive avian species. Additionally, the Myna bird poses risks to agricultural crops and can carry diseases such as avian influenza and malaria, which could potentially lead to the extinction of local bird species.
In response to the ongoing challenge posed by the Myna bird, the MoECC developed a strategic plan at the end of 2023 in collaboration with various entities, including the Environmental Directorate of the Qatar Armed Forces, Aspire Zone Foundation, Qatar University, and several departments from the Ministry of Municipality. This plan involves defining roles, appointing coordinators from all participating entities, and establishing a fieldwork team for monitoring, controlling, and disposing of the captured birds. The strategy also includes conducting a study to monitor the size of exotic and invasive species and their impact on local fauna, as well as initiating efforts to develop scientific solutions for capturing and controlling these birds.
Community engagement is a key component of the MoECC’s strategy, with efforts to involve the public in hunting campaigns, organizing workshops, and holding regular meetings to evaluate the progress of the initiative. The plan also focuses on adopting a systematic approach for the disposal of invasive bird species and exploring alternative methods suitable for controlling their spread in the required field areas. This initiative highlights Qatar’s commitment to safeguarding its environment and maintaining the ecological balance necessary for the country’s sustainability. By taking decisive action against the invasive Myna bird population, Qatar is setting an example for other countries to follow in preserving their natural ecosystems and protecting their biodiversity.
