Qatar Captures 12,844 Invasive Myna Birds in Seven Months as Control Drive Expands

Qatar’s Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MECC) has reported further progress in its nationwide campaign to control invasive Myna birds, with 12,844 birds captured between January and July 2026.

The ministry, through its Wildlife Development Department, said the continuing programme is designed to curb the spread of the invasive species and reduce its impact on Qatar’s ecosystems and biodiversity.

Total Captures Reach 61,999

According to the ministry, the latest seven-month figure has brought the total number of invasive Myna birds captured since the project was launched to 61,999.

849 Cages Deployed Across 58 Locations

Control operations have also expanded geographically. MECC said 849 cages are now deployed across 58 locations, strengthening monitoring and enabling teams to target areas where the invasive bird population needs to be controlled.

Why Qatar Is Controlling the Myna Population

The Myna is considered an invasive species because it can compete with native wildlife for food and nesting sites. A growing invasive population can place additional pressure on local birds and plants and potentially disrupt the ecological balance.

Protecting Native Wildlife and Biodiversity

MECC said it will continue implementing its planned control measures with the aim of limiting the bird’s spread, protecting native species and maintaining the natural balance of Qatar’s ecosystems.

The initiative forms part of the country’s broader wildlife conservation and environmental sustainability efforts, with authorities focusing on both population control and continued monitoring.

Key Figures

•    12,844 invasive Myna birds captured from January to July 2026
•    61,999 birds captured since the project began
•    849 cages deployed
•    58 locations covered by control operations

Environmental Focus

Managing invasive species is an important element of biodiversity protection because non-native species can compete with indigenous wildlife and alter local ecosystems. Qatar’s programme specifically targets the Myna population while supporting the conservation of native wildlife.

Source: Qatar News Agency (QNA), citing Qatar’s Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, August 15, 2026. Rewritten for publication.