🇪🇬EgyptNorth Africa
Egypt launches campaign to control invasive Indian Myna bird population
via Egypt Today3 min read
Egypt's Ministry of Environment and Local Development has initiated a comprehensive program to track and contain the invasive Indian Myna bird, also known as the Common Myna. This species, identified by the International Union for Conservation of Nature as one of the world's worst invasive alien species, was first recorded in Egypt in 1998 or 1999 and has since spread across various regions, including the Sinai Peninsula, Canal cities, Greater Cairo, the Delta, parts of Upper Egypt, and coastal areas. Minister of Environment, Dr. Manal Awad, noted the bird's high reproductive rates, adaptability, diverse diet, and lack of natural predators in Egypt as key factors in its invasion. The species currently occupies about 0.8 percent of Egypt's area. Measures to curb its population include removing existing nests, sealing architectural cavities, periodic field evaluations to track flocks, covering garbage bins, and installing specialized nesting boxes designed for native Egyptian birds. The Ministry also urges residents to avoid keeping Common Mynas as pets and to report sightings to environmental departments, highlighting the threat these birds pose to native species and ecosystems.
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Egypt Today.
The Egyptian government's "100 Million Healthy Lives" presidential initiative, under the Ministry of Health and Population, is raising awareness about breast cancer prevention and early detection. The initiative encourages women and girls to adopt healthy behaviors, emphasizing that early detection is crucial for increasing recovery rates and reducing complications. The Ministry of Health and Population has published an illustrated guide on social media with preventative guidelines. Key recommendations include a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, and breastfeeding. The Ministry also advises consulting a specialist before using hormone replacement therapy, avoiding smoking and tobacco products, and performing regular breast self-examinations. Women are encouraged to utilize services from the Egyptian Women's Health Support Initiative and inquire about screening locations through hotlines 15335 and 105, or by following the Ministry's official social media pages.
Petroleum Marine Services has submitted an application to the Egyptian Exchange EGX for listing its shares on the main market. The EGX received the request on June 11, 2026, and is currently reviewing the company's documents and requirements before forwarding the file to the Listing Committee for a decision. The proposed issued capital for listing is nearly $120 million, comprising 12 million shares at a nominal value of $10 each. This move is an initial step towards the listing, pending regulatory completion and committee approval. Petroleum Marine Services, a leading company affiliated with the Egyptian General Petroleum Corporation, specializes in offshore and marine contracting for the oil and gas industry. This development aligns with the government's initiative to list state-owned companies on the EGX, with 12 companies already listed and preparations underway for others, including 10 from the petroleum sector.
The Egyptian Ministry of Agriculture has initiated a series of measures to control the Fall Armyworm FAW in corn fields. These actions include mandatory, periodic field inspections for early detection and eradication before infestations reach critical levels. Specialized agricultural control engineers will provide farmers with technical guidance on proper spraying methods and optimal control timing. High-quality, approved pesticides are available at subsidized prices through local agricultural departments and cooperative associations. The FAW was first reported in Egypt in May 2019 in Aswan governorate and has since spread, posing a significant threat to corn crops. According to Hussein Abdel-Rahman Abu Saddam, Head of the General Syndicate of Farmers, the FAW has devastated thousands of acres and affects over 80 types of agricultural crops in Egypt. The pest, which entered Africa in 2016 from America, can travel up to 100 km per day, with females laying approximately 2,000 eggs during their lifespan.