Doha: The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MoECC) has reported that since the inception of the National Project to Combat Myna Birds, approximately 36,000 birds have been captured. The initiative aims to curb the proliferation of this invasive species, which poses a threat to Qatar’s ecological equilibrium.

According to Qatar News Agency, the Ministry revealed that hunting operations spanned 35 locations utilizing 611 cages. From January to June 2025, about 9,416 myna birds were trapped, underscoring the intensification of control and environmental monitoring measures. The Ministry stressed the detrimental impact of mynas, which displace local birds and consume their eggs and young.

The myna’s rapid reproductive abilities and urban adaptability further exacerbate competition for resources and disease transmission, endangering biodiversity. Originally from South Asia, the myna issue is not confined to Qatar but affects other Gulf and Arab nations as well.

The national campaign involves monitoring and surveying spread areas, trapping, and raising public awareness about the risks posed by mynas. The Ministry urged the public to report sightings, limit food sources, secure garbage bins, and reduce potential nesting sites by modifying building structures and managing vegetation.

Community education is pivotal in restricting the bird’s spread, and the Ministry advised against tampering with traps, leaving the handling of birds to specialists to ensure safety and control effectiveness.