Ministry records 36,000 Myna birds captured to combat spread of invasive species

Doha, Qatar – July 16, 2025:

The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MoECC) announced major progress in the National Project to Combat Myna Birds in Qatar, with nearly 36,000 birds trapped since the initiative began, underscoring the success of nationwide control and monitoring efforts.

Between January and June 2025, around 9,416 birds were captured using 611 cages across 35 locations, reflecting an increase in surveillance and field operations to mitigate the spread of the Myna, an invasive species that poses a significant threat to Qatar’s biodiversity.

The Threat of the Myna Bird

Originally from South Asia, the Myna bird is known for rapidly colonizing urban environments, displacing native bird species by taking over their nests and feeding on their eggs and chicks. Its aggressive behavior, high reproduction rate, and ability to thrive in human-dominated environments contribute to competition for resources, disease transmission, and the overall decline of native bird populations.

MoECC emphasized that this is not an isolated issue to Qatar; other Gulf and Arab countries are facing similar ecological challenges due to the species.

National Efforts and Community Role

The national campaign includes an integrated strategy of:

• Environmental monitoring and surveying

• Trapping operations in identified hotspots

• Public awareness and education initiatives

The Ministry urged residents to support the campaign by reporting sightings and avoiding behaviors that encourage Myna nesting and feeding, such as:

• Leaving food waste exposed

• Not covering garbage bins

• Failing to prune trees or seal building openings

The public is also reminded not to tamper with cages and traps, as these are managed by trained professionals to ensure the safe and humane handling of the birds.

MoECC reiterated that raising awareness and community engagement are critical to the long-term success of the campaign.