Beautiful but dangerous red-whiskered bulbul seen in Canberra

Canberra authorities have shown concern over the discovery of a beautiful but dangerous feral red-whiskered bulbul. The cute-looking bird is a serious threat to both the biotic and abiotic community.

The bird belongs to parts of Asia but has been seen wandering about in northern Canberra by a Campbell resident. The ACT Parks and Conservation Service has asked local residents to be on the look out for the threatening bird.

“The red-whiskered bulbul (Pycnonotus jocosus) is a prohibited and notifiable pest species in the ACT because of the threat it poses to the environment and agriculture,” ACT Parks and Conservation Service’s Director Daniel Iglesias was quoted by City News as saying. “It is illegal to sell or keep these birds as pets in the ACT, and there is a legal requirement for anyone who sees the bird to report it to the relevant authorities.”

The bulbul competes with local birds in finding food and shelter, posing a threat to the environmental balance. It also distributes many invasive weeds like lantana, privet and blackberry. The initial development of the species is slow but gradually it increases leading to rapid growth in their overall population.

The ACT authority described the bird as having a band on its foot, which suggested the bird was a pet. Staff members are now working to make sure the bird does not belong to a wider feral population.

The bird has a typical brown complexion and a white neck with a red patch on its cheek, as well as a pointed black crest on its head.

Iglesias said that the species has an isolated population in Sydney and Melbourne, along with some gathered on the North coast of NSW and Queensland. The nearest location known to authorities is in the Illawarra area.

“In the ACT it is illegal to keep or supply prohibited and notifiable pest species unless a special license has been issues. Keeping or supplying a prohibited pest species can carry a fine up to $7,500 for an individual or $37,000 for a corporation,” the director said.

The list of prohibited and notifiable pest species can be found on tams.act.gov.au .

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