Large numbers of non-indigenous birds, such as the superb starling, are invading the UAE and damaging the local ecosystem.
Dr Reza Khan, head of Dubai Zoo, is concerned over the increasing number of alien birds spotted in the UAE, largely as a result of the trade in foreign species.
"There are beautiful birds sold on the local market, but as they escape they damage the local flora and fauna. The birds have created small colonies around the American University of Sharjah campus ... they are not supposed to be here. The government needs to act now as they are a danger to existing species."
When insects, seeds and fruit are not available, the superb starlings (lamprotornis superbus) will eat the chicks of small local birds, such as the graceful warbler. Eggs usually weigh about 12 grammes while a newborn chick weighs ten grammes. The starlings also feed off the purple sunbird and small lizards.
Parrots, crows and mynas have already had a damaging effect on date palms and other fruits cultivated by farmers. The birds have also caused extensive damage to lampposts, forcing the municipality to redesign street lamps to prevent birds from pecking through wires.
Dr Khan blames pet owners who release their birds into the wild and also those who bring non-native birds and animals from their home country and release them after a few years.
New entrants in UAE
Three decades ago, it was generally only the common starling and rosy starling that passed through the UAE as migratory birds from Central Asia and the Middle East. But now
non-indigenous birds such as the superb starling (right) can often be spotted in some pockets of the UAE.
Gulf News
