Bahrain has banned the import, possession, sale and breeding of mynas and crows of all species in a major move to protect the kingdom’s native biodiversity.
The new ban, issued by His Majesty King Hamad’s Personal Representative and Supreme Council for Environment (SCE) president Shaikh Abdulla bin Hamad Al Khalifa, will come into force six months after its publication in the Official Gazette.
The decision is expected to affect owners of the highly popular birds, which have been kept as pets in Bahrain because of their intelligence, ability to mimic human speech and easy availability.
Authorities have warned that the adaptable birds pose a serious threat to native wildlife, with mynas and crows known to compete with indigenous species for food and nesting sites and prey on eggs and young birds.
“The decision prohibits the import, possession, trade or breeding of myna birds (Acridotheres Spp.) or crows (Corvus Spp.) of all species in the kingdom,” the SCE said in a statement.
“This excludes scientific bodies and research and educational institutions, as well as other entities approved by the council for the purposes of conducting scientific research or studies, or for display at approved facilities or for other purposes.”
Crows and mynas were highly popular pets in Bahrain primarily due to their exceptional intelligence, entertainment value and high accessibility.
Historically, bird-keeping is deeply rooted in Bahraini culture, and both species possess unique traits that make them incredibly appealing companion animals.
The Common Mynas is widely considered one of the best avian mimics in the world, second only to the African Grey Parrot.
Crows are among the most intellectually advanced animals on earth, possessing problem-solving skills comparable to a human toddler, and can recognise individual human faces.
“Under the decision, any person who possesses a bird belonging to the species covered by the ban prior to the provisions of the decision coming into force must regularise their status within six months from the date the decision takes effect.
“The bird must not be released within the kingdom. A person possessing a bird of any of the species concerned may also hand it over to the Biodiversity Department of the Executive Directorate of the SCE.”
The decision stipulates that, without prejudice to any more severe penalty provided for under any other law, anyone who violates its provisions shall be subject to the penalties prescribed under Article 103 of Law No. (7) of 2022 concerning the Environment.
Because these birds threaten biodiversity, judicial penalties under this framework typically carry hefty financial fines, bird confiscation, and potential jail sentences depending on the scale of the commercial operation or environmental negligence.
Mynas and crows are aggressive, highly adaptable invasive species that outcompete native wildlife for food and nesting territories.
Mynas are known to feed on the hatchlings of other fragile local bird species, such as the native, beautiful Bahrain Bulbul, causing their local populations to decline.
Crows are highly intelligent, aggressive predators. They actively raid the nests of native songbirds, most notably Bahrain’s national bird, the iconic White-cheeked Bulbul.
Crows eat the bulbuls’ eggs and juveniles, causing local wild bulbul populations to plummet significantly.
nader@gdnmedia.bh
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