Controlling the Invasive Indian Myna Bird
Controlling the Invasive Indian Myna Bird
Identification and trapping techniques to lessen the impact of the invasive species upon drought-affected properties in the Glen Innes region
Taking Action -
MEPAAW2-NT-01E
The issue
Since being introduced into Australian in 1863 as a means of controlling insect species in Melbourne market gardens, the Indian Myna bird population has grown exponentially, with the species establishing across most of Eastern Australia, including the New England region, and spreading to other parts of the country. The easy adaptability of these aggressive, territorial and opportunistic birds is a serious threat to native bird populations and other small Australian wildlife species, especially those resting in hollow dwellings where Mynas nest. Indian Mynas are also a carrier of bird mite and have been known to spread avian diseases such as psittacosis and salmonellosis. They thrive in rural landscapes where access to habitat and feeding options are readily available. In return, the messy birds foul on livestock and contaminate feed bins. Due to the current drought conditions experienced in the Glen Innes region and the increase of feed being put out by farmers, the pervasiveness of Indian Mynas has increased. It has been identified that there is a need for landholders in drought-affected communities to up-skill in areas of identification and control to protect their properties, and the ecological systems within them, from the impact of this invasive species.
The solution
GLENRAC hosted two information events, the first at Red Range Hall on the 21st August 2019 and the second at the Deepwater Brewery on the 28th August 2019, to provide landholders with information around identifying and taking action against the threat of Indian Myna birds. Presenters explained how to identify the Indian Myna (commonly mistaken with the Noisy Myna, a native bird species), the impacts of Indian Mynas on Australian birdlife, wildlife and habitat, how to successfully and humanely trap and dispose of Indian Mynas, and where to access more information.
Attendees also received a free copy of the latest version of the Clarence Valley Conservation in Action Indian Myna Bird Project Handbook, devised by Laura and Kevin Noble. Extra copies of these were made available at the GLENRAC office for people who were unable to attend the day. A limited number of traps were also available on the day, and from the office, for attendees to borrow.
The impact
On average, the attendees surveyed noted a change from 10% with ‘a lot’ of knowledge and confidence of how to control and manage the impact of Indian Myna birds before the workshop, to 43% after the event. Attendees left the day with a greater understanding of how to identify the Indian Myna species and how to control population numbers on their properties through trapping techniques. The take home booklet from the Clarence Valley Conservation in Action group was a handy resource for attendees to utilise for future purposes at home.
Key facts
- Indian Myna birds are a threat to native bird and wildlife species
- The pest species thrives in rural environments, particularly those experiencing drought, where access to feed is readily available
- Indian Myna are commonly mistaken with the Noisy Myna, a native bird species