The Tasmanian blackbird eradication programme, 1941-47

Abstract

The European blackbird was introduced into Tasmania as early as 1827; by 1930 the bird was widely distributed and was becoming a pest to the small fruits industry. A bounty scheme, begun in 1941, resulted in the destruction of 79 298 birds and 21 848 eggs by 1946, but was ineffectual in eradication because it was too late in being introduced and was ill-conceived biologically. The birds may have contributed to the decline of the small fruits industry.