23 May 2008

Samoa to battle to reduce mynah bird numbers

1:38 pm on 23 May 2008

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment in Samoa and the Pacific Regional Environment Programme, or SPREP, are developing strategies to try and control the mynah bird population.

The Ministry's Faleafaga Tipama'a says the mynah needs to be controlled because of its impact on the food sources of other birds.

The mynah had been introduced into Samoa to control the cattle tick problem but its numbers have dramatically multiplied.

Tipama'a says in order for control measures to work, community support is needed.

The ministry is promoting awareness about the mynah bird and ways to control it.

Last year the government passed a bill to fund traps to catch the pests.