THE ACT Parks and Conservation Service is asking residents to be on the lookout for the red-whiskered bulbul after the pest bird was caught by a local resident in Campbell earlier this month.

“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,” Director, Parks and Conservation, Daniel Iglesias, said.

“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 particular bird that was captured had a band on its foot, suggesting it was being kept as a pet rather than living in the wild. Staff from ACT Parks and Conservation are working to ensure the animal is not part of a wider feral population.

“The red-whiskered bulbul poses a serious threat to Australia with significant potential to spread further in the wild. It has established in Sydney and Melbourne with some isolated populations on the North coast of NSW and areas of Queensland. The nearest known established population is in the Illawarra region.

“The bulbul is considered an environmental pest as it competes with local native birds for food and nesting sites. It also contributes to the spread of many invasive weeds, including blackberry, lantana, and privet.

“Identifying and responding to an incursion of this pest bird species is especially important in the first few years of introduction as it has slow initial dispersal and population growth which becomes more rapid over time.

“The ACT Parks and Conservation Service would like to remind residents they cannot keep prohibited and notifiable pest species as pets in the ACT, including red-whiskered bulbul and a number of other exotic species including slider turtles and red imported fire ants. Prohibited species in the ACT also include a range of exotic fish species.

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

“We are asking anyone who spots a red-whiskered bulbul to report it through Access Canberra on 13 22 81. If possible, we are also asking the public to provide a photo of suspected sightings, along with specific locations and times.”

A list of pest animal species in the ACT, including prohibited and notifiable species is available at tams.act.gov.au