Bird sighting fuels biosecurity fears

Conservationists warn the sighting of an indian myna bird in Launceston should sound alarm bells for the Tasmanian Government.

The bird is not widely found in Tasmania but could have a big impact on agriculture and native birds if it becomes established.

A quarantine officer saw the bird at the Launceston Airport last week and the Threatened Species Unit is urging people to report any further sightings.

Tasmanian Conservation Trust director Craig Woodfield says there is a clear need for better biosecurity measures, after several sightings of the bird in the past few years.

"Biosecurity is one of the most important things for Tasmania," he said.

"It's going to protect our natural environment, it's going to protect our primary industries.

"We really should be putting more resources into picking these species up on the mainland at ports and airports before they actually make it to Tasmania.

"It's too far for these birds to fly across so they're obviously getting across in cargo containers on ships in planes and that sort of thing."