Sacred ibis not so sacred in Florida

PALM BEACH, Fla., Nov. 14 (UPI) -- Palm Beach County said it is joining Florida and federal officials to eradicate the sacred ibis, an exotic African bird seen as a threat to local species.

The sacred ibis -- an ancient revered by the Egyptians and depicted in hieroglyphics on their pyramids -- has begun nesting in western Palm Beach County preserves and the Everglades National Park. Researchers said they fear that if the birds multiply unfettered, they'll threaten native species such as the white ibis and the federally endangered wood stork, The South Florida Sun-Sentinel reported Wednesday.

County commissioners voted to join the cooperative effort to remove the birds from South Florida, killing them with gunshots if necessary, despite objections from some local environmentalists, the Fort Lauderdale newspaper reported.

Audubon of Florida, in a letter supporting the eradication effort, said the fear is the sacred ibis, if left unchecked, could devastate the populations of other wading birds by preying on chicks and eggs.

Activist Rosa Durando said it has not been documented that the sacred ibis poses a threat to local birds. She said development posed a greater threat.

She said killing the birds would be similar to "handling a flea with an atom bomb."