In a f lap

An important message that has been lost in the extraordinary saga of Molly the Magpie

Few stories this newspaper has covered have elicited quite the reaction generated by the tale of a magpie called Molly. Its surrender to Department of Environment, Science and Innovation (DESI) officials certainly stirred strong opinions.

People questioned why the bird would be taken away from the couple who had chronicled its interaction with their Staffordshire bull terrier Peggy since they had discovered it in September 2020.

The answer, of course, is an immensely simple one. The Nature Conservation Act prevents people from taking in native animals.

The reason it does so is sound. Domesticating native wildlife, or habituating it to human contact, is not considered in its best interests.

Wildlife experts get particularly concerned when native animals are encouraged to interact with what are regarded as “predator” species such as dogs.

As one DESI official said: “Wildlife must stay wild”.

It is likely DESI may never have heard of Molly had its exploits not attracted great attention on social media. That popularity led to merchandise and a book deal for the Gold Coast couple who introduced him to the world.

However that exposure also led to concerns a message was inadvertently being spread that it was acceptable to take in native wildlife. So ultimately, DESI felt it had no choice but to act.

A dispassionate examination of the facts of the case finds well-meaning people on all sides.

The couple involved appeared to have good intentions. DESI, also, has done nothing wrong in this saga. Officials have not merited anything like the weight of criticism thrown their way.

The abundance and variety of our native wildlife is an enormous asset here in Queensland, and it needs to be protected at all costs.

Premier Steven Miles, who has promised to ensure Molly is returned, has arguably undermined that mission in his comments. Given his position, Mr Miles would do well to make an effort to correct that impression.

The saga of Molly the magpie has some way to run, and no doubt will continue to elicit high emotions. However whatever is done, it must be with the interests of protecting Queensland’s native wildlife foremost in everyone’s minds.