Releasing non-native species to ‘make merit’ adversely affects environment

The report “Fears grow that invasive bird species may cause havoc here” (May 15) was incorrect to attribute the presence of the Red-billed Quelea in Singapore to the cage-bird trade.

The Quelea has no value to bird fanciers. It does not sing, neither is it colourful. But when bird flu swept our region, importers turned to Africa to source cheap, hardy and easily transportable birds for those looking to “make merit” by releasing animals at religious festivals.

As that continent was free from the disease, the import of wild birds was allowed. The Quelea is the world’s most abundant bird and therefore comes at low cost. I, too, have come across them flying free here.

Nature conservationists and government organisations have approached religious leaders to discourage animal release during festivals. The leaders have been understanding.

The logic that there is little merit gained by paying for the capture of birds from faraway lands, cramming them into cages under less than ideal conditions and releasing them in unfamiliar surroundings has not been lost on them.

However, the leaders seem to have not had success in conveying this message to all their followers.

Nature groups and government officials must still increase patrols around the time of certain festivals to discourage devotees from releasing animals into our parks, ponds and forest reserves.

I am involved in a conservation project with a statutory organisation to re-introduce native species that had been present in Yishun before the place was cleared and redeveloped.

A contractor working at my house insisted on making a contribution of animals bought from neighbourhood pet shops. He was crestfallen when this offer was declined, not understanding that we wanted only native species.

We have been monitoring the progress of the project for some years. The facilities and premises are open to the public, and the release of non-native creatures has had adverse effects. Effort must be expended on the capture and removal of these alien invaders.

Those who profess to follow certain religions should pay more attention to what their leaders teach instead of continuing what they have been doing in years past.