Posted on: Sunday, August 17, 2003

EDITORIAL
Beautiful plumage, but threat to native wildlife

The brightly plumed red and green parrots known as mitered conures might be stunning critters, but their beauty is eclipsed by the long-term threat they pose to native crops and forests.

These fruit-eating birds — which have taken up residence in the Huelo sea cliffs on Maui's north shore — spread the ultra-invasive miconia weed, which chokes native wildlife.

The Maui Animal Rescue and Sanctuary has failed to capture the birds and move them to an aviary. They say problems with coastal access and money shut down the project. That's a pity. We hate to see the birds destroyed. But the prospect of miconia taking over the islands is far more troubling.

State wildlife officials have yet to decide on how to eradicate the birds. Do they shoot them or trap and net them? Whatever option they choose, it had better be humane, even if it's not the quickest fix.

And those who staunchly oppose the eradication of Maui's mitered conures might consider setting up a fund to have the birds captured and returned to the jungles of South America, or wherever their native habitat might be.

Regrettably, it seems, the parrots must go before the spread of miconia spirals out of control.