On 25.05.2010 and 16.06.2010 the Polish Avifaunistic Commission published reports on records of rare birds in Poland, including a few alien species.

Among alien birds that are regularly recorded are Wood duck Aix sponsa (4 records) and Bar-headed goose Anser indicus (1 record). Particularly worth noticing is the record of Sacred ibis Threskiornis aethiopicus. This African bird is listed among 100 of the Worst alien species in Europe. Wild populations were established by birds that had escaped from zoos. The Sacred ibis is a severe predator, particularly in heron and tern colonies in France, where its population exceeded 5000 individuals and is still increasing despite efforts to control it.

Another interesting species is Demoiselle crane Grus virgo. On 4-8.05.2009 2 birds were recorded (1 was filmed) near Olsztyn (NE Poland). This is the 4th documented record of the species in Poland, after almost a 100-year break (the 3rd record was in 1912). While the origin of the birds recorded in the past was not clear, the birds recorded in 2009 are undoubtedly escapees from a private collection.

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On 7-9.06.2010 the Roztocze National Park hosted a plenary meeting of the State Council for Nature Conservation. Among most widely discussed topics were biological invasions. The Council adopted 3 resolutions related to alien species.

Resolution 1/VI/2010 dealt with the problem of alien turtles, sliders and terrapins, commonly kept as companion animals (this refers particularly to Red-eared terrapin Trachemys scripta). The Council stressed the urgent need to remove individuals released into natural environment. Another priority is developing a network of asylums where unwanted animals could be returned by their owners.

In resolution 2/VI/2010 the Council recommended restricting trade of subspecies of the Large earth bumblebee other than the native Bombus terrestis terrestris. This would reduce risks posed by alien subspecies imported for horticulture. The imported individuals carry alien parasites and hybridise with native bumblebees, thus “polluting” their gene pools.

In resolution 5/VI/2010 the Council supported prompt adoption of the decree on alien species that pose risks for native species and habitats. At the same time the Council recommended several amendments in this legal act, including changes in the list of alien species to be covered.

The project of a new regulation on invasive alien species that can threaten native species and habitats is available (in Polish) on the server of the Ministry of Environment. Import, keeping, breeding and selling of species included in this regulation will require obtaining a permission from the General Director for Environmental Protection.

Comments regarding this project can be sent to karolina.mazurska@gdos.gov.pl and magdalena.ciesielska@mos.gov.pl (closing date is 31.05.2010).

New report of the Polish Avifaunistic Commission from 16.04.2010 confirms 3 records of Wood duck Aix sponsa and 1 record of Bar-headed goose Anser indicus. There is also the first confirmed record of North-American Green-winged teal Anas carolinensis in Poland. The origin of the male observed on 22.03.2010 in NW Poland is not certain. As this species is not very common in captivity throughout Europe, natural occurrence of this individual cannot be ruled out. Approximately 1 month later, on 20.04.2010, 1 male was seen again, about 80 km from the previous place (this record has not been confirmed by the Avifaunistic Commission yet).