AN incursion of Indian myna birds into Tasmania would be an "environmental disaster", says BirdLife Tasmania.
Sightings of the bird – a serious pest on mainland Australia – have been reported in Devonport and Hobart near the Domain and slipyards.
"The introduction and establishment of the myna is an ecological disaster," Birdlife Tasmania convenor Eric Woehler said.
"This is a high priority, red-alert species and alarm bells would be ringing in State Government agencies.
"They're an aggressive bird. They literally displace native birds. They gather in big flocks, they're very noisy and aggressive.
"Where you have Indian mynas you don't have native birds.
"They will chase other birds out, kill the chicks of other birds and eat their eggs."
Over the past decade sightings had been made in the north, especially Devonport and its port area, and in those cases government officers have killed the birds and destroyed eggs.
Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment Invasive Species Branch manager Craig Elliott said staff were continuing surveillance in the Hobart Regatta grounds area after a report last month of three birds.
"The sighting has not been confirmed and the ISB is keen to hear from anyone who may have seen what they believe to be an Indian myna," Mr Elliott said.
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