A flock of angry birds are on the loose in Auckland and they're eluding bio-security officials.
The
Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) says an unknown number red-vented
bulbul have been spotted in Mangere, Devonport and possibly the
Whangaparaoa Peninsula.
MPI Response Manager,
Jaap Knegtmans says the species are "aggressive to other birds" and are
regarded as one of the world's most invasive bird species.
The
ministry is concerned the birds will establish themselves in Auckland
which would affect the horticultural industry, native vegetation, other
birdlife and private gardens.
It has teamed up
with the Department of Conservation and the Auckland Council to track
down and "eradicate" the birds. However, the ministry is also asking the
public for help.
Mr Knegtmans has asked members of the public to contact the ministry and take photos of the birds if they see them.
The
birds are around 20cm in length or about the size of a starling. They
are generally dark coloured with a lighter chest and rump, a small crest
on their head, and significantly, a very distinctive crimson-red patch
beneath their tail.
Mr Knegtmans says the birds
have invaded other parts of the Pacific, particularly Fiji and suburban
Sydney. The ministry believes it’s likely they hitched a ride to New
Zealand on a commercial vessel or a recreational yacht.
The birds were found in Auckland in the 1950s and also in 2006 and in both cases were eradicated.
The birds were found in Auckland in the 1950s and also in 2006 and in both cases were eradicated.
"While
they may appear cute, they’re anything but, and urgent action is
required to locate and capture them before they establish," Mr Knegtmans
says.
Anyone who has seen the birds should contact MPI on its free Exotic Pest and Disease Hotline 0800 80 99 66.
3 News Fri, 12 Jul 2013 11:52a.m.
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