Indian Myna Trapping

Local residents team up with Mens Shed to reduce Myna population

Indian Myna Trapping

Local residents team up with Mens Shed to reduce Myna population

Community Participation -

LPO- 020

The issue

Residents in the locality of Bobin, near Taree identified an issue with increasing numbers of Indian Mynas.

The birds were observed chasing off small bird species and destroying nests.  Indian Mynas congregated on one particular property where the owner had caged birds.

The solution

Manning Landcare was contacted by residents about the issues surrounding invasive Indian Mynas and the impacts on smaller bird species, particularly Fairy Wrens and Willy Wag Tails.

We held a session on Indian Mynas, their habitats and control methods. 

As a result several residents decided to attempt trapping.  Rather than buy materials and make traps we connected with the Taree Men's Shed who were already constructing traps.

The impact

Bobin residents connected with the Men's Shed and traps were purchased.

Experiments on the most affective feed attractants began.  We found that a particular variety of brightly coloured, commerical wild bird food (the same as used by the owner of caged birds at the initial infestation site) was highly successful.  Twelve Indian Mynas were caught in the first week in one trap. 

Residents are continuing to monitor the situation and informing other residents about the destructive nature of Indian Mynas.

Author: Lyn Booth

Key facts

  • Supporting other local initiatives
  • Collaborating on designs to refine Indian Myna traps
  • Informing community members