Eighty Indian Myna bird (myna bird) traps available for purchase through the South Gippsland Landcare Network (SGLN) have now been sold to landholders in the district. Making traps available for purchase is part of a campaign, (initiated by SGLN) to reduce myna bird numbers with the aim of protecting native birds and reducing productivity loses.
The response to the campaign has been overwhelmingly positive. If the amount of public interest in myna bird control is anything to go by, myna birds had better look out- their days might be numbered! In the order of 140 calls or emails have been received by SGLN alone since February this year from people wanting to know where they can source a trap.
People's motives for myna bird control are diverse. Several fruit growers referred to the damage caused to crops. Those with chickens spoke of the constant battle to stop the blighters from eating all the chook feed. Another common occurrence is the absence of native birdlife on properties inundated with myna birds. All of these motives are valid and warrant action to be taken in reducing myna bird numbers.
Of those that purchased a trap through SGLN, several people have reported success with trapping which is inspiring to hear. One person in particular has reportedly trapped 27 myna birds, a fantastic effort so far.
There are no more myna bird traps are available for sale through SGLN however it's hoped that those who purchased a trap will be sharing theirs with their neighbours, as is already happening. If you're keen on the idea of building your own trap, a copy of the design can be sent to you free of charge by contacting Landcare Project Officer, Kate Williams on T: 5662 5759 or E: 0428 317 928. Alternatively, myna birds traps can be purchased commercially for $65.00 from Mick at The Green Patch T: 0425 762 487. Servicing Bass Coast & South Gippsland or Raglan Gardens Nursery for $35.00, 7 Raglan Street, Sale T: 5144 4493.
The South Gippsland Landcare Network is encouraging those who purchased a trap to share the results of their control efforts. Visit www.feralscan.org.au/mynascan for details or alternatively, email Landcare Project Officer, Kate Williams at katew@wgcma.vic.gov.au to report your numbers trapped. Recording captured numbers is vital to determine the effectiveness of this control program and it inspires healthy competition between other trapping groups.
