Myna problem

In 2005 Indian Mynas (Acridotheres tristis) won the Australian public
opinion title of 'Most Hated Pest'. Beating cane toads, feral cats
and foxes hands down- now that's saying something. They are also
ranked as one of the 100 species listed as the world's most invasive
by the World Conservation Union. Indian mynas (myna birds) have
spread throughout eastern Australia since being introduced in the
1880's.

With the label of 'Most Hated Pest' what is it about myna birds that
make them so disliked by people and a threat to the environment?
There are many reasons; they are aggressive and territorial in their
quest to out compete native birds and animals for food and habitat.
Using superior numbers they seek out nesting hollows of native birds
and animals and harass them to the point of eviction. Although they
only lay in one nest per year, myna birds build and defend several
nests during the breeding season excluding native birds and animals
from those nesting sites in the process. In rural and agricultural
areas they are increasingly damaging fruit trees, crops, grains and
stock feed. In South Gippsland alone several wineries and orchards
have reported damage to crops caused by myna birds.

Myna birds also pose a health risk to humans from bird mites and
faeces due to their habits of closely associating with human
activities. Nests are built out of sticks, straw and whatever else can
be found including paper, plastic and other waste material. This is a
particular problem when they choose to build nests in roof spaces and
cavities as it presents a fire risk and an entry point for bird mites
into houses.

Many people (myself included) dislike myan birds simply because their
noisy. They congregate to feed at various public places and in doing
so provide a background noise that makes being there all the less
enjoyable. That shrill chirp, chirp, chirp noise when you're about to
eat lunch at an outdoor café is enough to make you throw your hand up
and gesture "GO AWAY BIRD!"

With their 'pest' status justified, what is being done to control
them? In Victoria the myna bird is not a declared pest under the
Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994 nor is it a protected species
by law. The Department of Primary Industries does not consider it
reasonable to impose the lawful responsibility of control of Indian
Mynas upon all landowners when it is unlikely to result in the desired
outcome of 'eradicate or control or prevent its spread in the wild'
(the requirements that must be satisfied to be able to declare a
species under the Act) (DPI, 201). Therefore a person (at their
discretion) may capture and/or destroy these birds by appropriate
legal humane methods.

Myna birds are intelligent and can be difficult to control however if
myna control is your beef, the use of cage traps is the most commonly
deployed technique. For information relating to trapping myna birds
visit the Canberra Indian Myna Action Group Inc. website at
www.indianmynaaction.org.au. Keep in mind that in accordance with the
Prevention of Cruelty of Animals Regulation 2008 SECT 35, a
confinement trap (such as a Myna trap) must not be set or used on any
land, except with the consent of the owner or occupier of the land,
or, in the case of Crown land, the manager of the land. Once captured,
the Regulations consider them in your care and you are responsible for
the trapped bird's welfare. Please make sure you provide food, water
and shade for the birds whilst they are in the trap, do not leave them
in the trap overnight and handle them gently when removing them. The
trapped myna bird must be humanely euthanized using methods approved
in Victoria as soon as is reasonably possible.

A control program should also aim to reduce the damage caused by myna
birds, eradicate local isolated populations, prevent opportunities for
myna birds, and reduce their potential to reproduce. Many local
councils and communities throughout Australia are working together to
reduce myna bird populations. Preventing myna birds from colonising
new areas is considered the best approach to contain populations, and
in areas where myna birds are already established, experts recommend
controlling myna birds in key locations and around assets such as
biodiversity values, near roosting sites, and in urban backyards
(Invasive Animals CRC and FeralScan 2011).

Tips for reducing myna bird problems (source: MynaScan, Invasive
Animals CRC and FeralScan 2011)
In most instances, a few simple modifications to our own behaviour and
habits can reduce opportunities for myna birds:
• Plant open canopy species to reduce communal roosting options
• Feed pets indoors or after dark
• Seal off potential entry points to your roof to reduce nesting options
• Cover food and use bins with lids
• Do not leave food scraps unattended in picnic areas
• Remove uneaten pet food and cover food containers
• Plant native vegetation in landscaping, gardens and open spaces.
• Remove access to poultry and stock feed
• Regularly clean outdoor eating areas around shops, restaurants and cafe's
• Keep informed and tell your friends about these simple solutions.

There are various myan bird control programs currently running in West
Gippsland, contact your local Landcare Network to find out whether
there are any formed groups operating in your district. If you live
in the South Gippsland area contact Project Officer, Kate Williams on
5662 5759 or email katew@wgcma.vic.gov.au to find out where you can
source a trap or to share knowledge, skills and experience in
controlling mynas.

Bye for now,
Kate