Today's Edition
ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)
The Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) has introduced a guide to manage and disperse invasive birds, in collaboration with the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, to provide effective, humane and environmentally responsible solutions for managing infestations in urban and suburban areas.
The guide outlines best practices for the public as well as construction engineers and architects to avoid inadvertently creating favourable spaces for nesting and roosting for such birds; in particular, the Rock Dove, Common Myna, Rose-ringed Parakeet, House Crow, Bank Myna and the Alexandrine Parakeet – all being species that are considered non-native and harmful to the local ecosystem’s natural balance.
Littering, scattering grain or bird food, and keeping pigeon coops on rooftops are some of the ways that encourage their proliferation as noted in the document; with auditory and visual scares as well as specialised spikes and nets being acceptable methods to disperse them – as long as they do not impact the general appearance of the city. In keeping with animal welfare standards, the guidelines prohibit the use of poison, electricity, and projectiles of any kinds to control the bird populations.
Fahad Al Shehhi, Director of Public Appearance at DMT, said that the new guidelines aim to reduce the negative effects of invasive birds on the environment and overall appearance of the city’s urban and suburban areas. He urged the public to follow the outlined guidelines, and support DMT in this initiative as well as the emirate’s municipality inspectors by reporting any gatherings they witness.
The department confirmed that compliance is mandatory by all property owners and managers if a complaint was raised by a tenant, neighbour or any other person living in the emirate. Reports can be made by contacting the Abu Dhabi Government Contact Centre or through the Tamm portal.
