A red-whiskered bulbul on the loose has South Australia's fruit growers on high alert. This striking bird, with its black mohawk and vibrant red cheeks, is more than just a pretty face. It's a potential threat to the state's thriving horticulture industry, valued at a whopping $2 billion. But here's where it gets controversial: the red-whiskered bulbul is an invasive species, already established in parts of NSW and Queensland, causing significant damage to crops, spreading weeds, and competing with native birds. And this is the part most people miss: it's not just about the bird itself, but the potential gap in our nation's biosecurity measures.
Authorities have been on a mission to track down this single bulbul, first spotted in Adelaide's northern regions several weeks ago. It's believed to have escaped captivity, despite being illegal to keep in South Australia. The Invasive Species Council's James Johnson warns that this could be the start of a new invasion if swift action isn't taken.
"This bird is banned in SA, likely brought in by someone wanting a unique pet. We haven't found it yet, so we're asking the public to keep a lookout and report any sightings," Johnson said.
The bulbul's impact extends beyond its beauty. It's been implicated in the spread of feral olive trees in Western Sydney and poses a significant risk to both the environment and agricultural areas. Its presence in Salisbury, not far from Adelaide's northern agricultural regions, is a cause for concern.
"It could easily make its way into our fruit-picking areas, causing extensive damage," Johnson added.
The South Australia Department of Primary Industries (PIRSA) has issued a statement, highlighting the red-whiskered bulbul as a high-risk pest bird that can wreak havoc on vineyards and orchards by feasting on soft fruit, flower buds, and insects. Established populations have caused significant issues for soft-fruit and citrus growers both interstate and overseas, emphasizing the potential risk and cost if they become established in SA.
Last summer, birds caused substantial losses to orchards around Adelaide, with reports of entire trees being stripped of their fruit in mere minutes. Mark Filsell, an apple and cherry grower from Forest Range, experienced a swarm of lorikeets last summer, thankfully seeing low numbers this year, resulting in minimal damage so far.
"For growers, it's an enormous expense to cover their entire orchard. You have lorikeets during the day and then bats at night. We've seen the impact in places like Victoria, where if you don't net your orchard, you get nothing," Filsell said.
The appearance of the bulbul in Adelaide has also sparked concerns about potential gaps in our nation's biosecurity measures. Johnson emphasizes the need for rigorous protection of our environment and agricultural industries at the border, as well as addressing the issue of species crossing state borders and the investment required to tackle these invasive species.
"Biosecurity is every Australian's responsibility," he added.
SA has recorded two small incursions of red-whiskered bulbuls in recent years, with 10 wild birds in the Adelaide Hills in 2017 and eight illegally kept birds in West Croydon in 2018. All of these birds were either captured or removed.
Keeping a red-whiskered bulbul in captivity is illegal and can result in a fine. Anyone with information about breeding or sightings is urged to contact PIRSA Biosecurity or report it to the Pest Alert Hotline on 1800 084 881.
So, what do you think? Is this a bird worth worrying about, or is it just a pretty face causing a stir? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
