The common Myna bird, spotted in backyards across Australia, would become a declared pest under proposed changes the ACT government is seeking public comment on.
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The government is looking to add 380 animals - from camels to coyotes, from cane toads to brumbies - to the capital's official list of pests.
Public comment is being sought on whether 44 animals should be declared as pests in the capital, including the house sparrow and the Canadian goose.
Surprisingly, the Myna bird - "the cane toad of the sky" - and the cane toad aren't already pests in the capital, despite being considered so elsewhere in Australia.
The government is also seeking comment on whether a long list of pest fish should be declared as "notifiable", meaning people who see the animal or keep the animal on their premises have to warn the ACT's environment directorate.
So those Canberrans keeping pike, carp or piranhas in their garden pond, you'll have to put a compelling case forward to the ACT government to not have to declare them in future.
But then there's the other list of animals already prohibited in the capital that could be added to the list of pests, including bobcats, spider-monkeys and the American black bear.
Environment Minister Mick Gentleman said the update was taking place to bring Canberra's biosecurity protocols in line with other states to help pursue a national management approach.
"I have also resolved to list feral horses as an introduced and invasive species, reflecting the harm they cause to our environment," Mr Gentleman said.
This puts him at odds with his counterparts in NSW, where brumbies in Kosciuszko National Park have been granted heritage status, essentially limiting their control to non-lethal methods.
"Invasive animals have a significant impact on the ACT's environment, economy and the community, with the ACT government spending over $1 million annually to control these species," Mr Gentleman said.
On top of that, the Arabian camel and 77 non-native bird species will be removed from the Exempt Animals Declaration. Whereas before people could keep these animals without a license, they will now need one.
The list includes a few dove species, including your garden variety turtle dove, or spotted dove, and the ostrich.
Public comment closes at 5pm on Wednesday July 10, and can be made via yoursay.act.gov.au/managing-invasive-animals.
