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
Friday, February 8, 2013
Monday, November 12, 2012
A Lavender that isn’t so pretty
Coastcare Facilitator for Gippsland, Bruce Atkin has alerted the
Network to a new and emerging weed threat- Sicilian sea lavender
(Limonium hyblaeum). Coastcare hosted a forum last month on Phillip
Island designed to raise awareness amongst agency staff and volunteers
about the weed which poses a significant threat to saltmarsh areas.
Director of consultancy firm Australis Biology, Dr Robin Adair
presented at the forum noting that the weed has the potential to
spread rapidly along the Victorian coastline. Currently the weed can
be found at eight locations west of Port Phillip Bay, including places
like Port Fairy and Port Campbell.
The problem with Sicilian sea lavender is that it can result in the
collapse of saltmarsh vegetation by excluding native species and
preventing regeneration. Posing a major threat to the endangered
orange-bellied parrot that relies on saltmarsh vegetation as a food
source.
Although not found in Western Port Bay yet, Dr Adair and Coastcare
facilitators Bruce Atkin and Denis Cox are urging locals to be
vigilant and report any suspected. Early detection is crucial as hand
removal is the most effective means of eradicating the weed.
The weed is identifiable as a cushion forming perennial with a dense
canopy, broad fleshy leaves and woody rootstock. Purple and white
flowers appear from November onwards.
What to do if you find Sicilian sea lavender:
• Correctly identify it, visit www.australisbiological.com.au
• Record where you found it
• Note the size of the infestation
• Report immediately to Penny Gillespie, Regional Weed and Pest
Program Coordinator: penny.a.gallespie@dse.vic.gov.au or to DSE
Coastcare Victoria Facilitator Denis Cox: denis.cox@dse.vic.gov.au
• Remove the plant/s (if safe to do so)
• Double bag
• Deep burial
• Prevent spillages
Cover photo: Sicilian sea lavender- photo courtesy Dr Robin Adair
www.australisbiological.com.au
Network to a new and emerging weed threat- Sicilian sea lavender
(Limonium hyblaeum). Coastcare hosted a forum last month on Phillip
Island designed to raise awareness amongst agency staff and volunteers
about the weed which poses a significant threat to saltmarsh areas.
Director of consultancy firm Australis Biology, Dr Robin Adair
presented at the forum noting that the weed has the potential to
spread rapidly along the Victorian coastline. Currently the weed can
be found at eight locations west of Port Phillip Bay, including places
like Port Fairy and Port Campbell.
The problem with Sicilian sea lavender is that it can result in the
collapse of saltmarsh vegetation by excluding native species and
preventing regeneration. Posing a major threat to the endangered
orange-bellied parrot that relies on saltmarsh vegetation as a food
source.
Although not found in Western Port Bay yet, Dr Adair and Coastcare
facilitators Bruce Atkin and Denis Cox are urging locals to be
vigilant and report any suspected. Early detection is crucial as hand
removal is the most effective means of eradicating the weed.
The weed is identifiable as a cushion forming perennial with a dense
canopy, broad fleshy leaves and woody rootstock. Purple and white
flowers appear from November onwards.
What to do if you find Sicilian sea lavender:
• Correctly identify it, visit www.australisbiological.com.au
• Record where you found it
• Note the size of the infestation
• Report immediately to Penny Gillespie, Regional Weed and Pest
Program Coordinator: penny.a.gallespie@dse.vic.gov.au or to DSE
Coastcare Victoria Facilitator Denis Cox: denis.cox@dse.vic.gov.au
• Remove the plant/s (if safe to do so)
• Double bag
• Deep burial
• Prevent spillages
Cover photo: Sicilian sea lavender- photo courtesy Dr Robin Adair
www.australisbiological.com.au
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Rush Hour
Rushes (Juncus spp.) are common plants of moist areas, and are often
found in swamps and along watercourses throughout the region. After
experiencing 2 years of high rainfall, the boom in rushes comes much
to the dismay or delight of landholders (depending on what they want
to get out of their land).
Juncus species are distinguished as robust tussocks of green steams
with flowers found in clusters on one side of the stem. They are
difficult to tell apart given there are 68 species found in all states
of Australia and that several different species are often found
growing together.
Of the 68 species, 31 are native to Australia and the rest are
naturalised i.e. originated elsewhere in the world but established and
reproducing itself without deliberate human assistance (National
Herbarium of NSW, cited 8, Oct. 2012).
The good news is that of the 68 species, only 1 of is of real concern
from a 'noxious weed' perspective; Juncus acutus or Spiny Rush as it
is commonly known. Currently only found in isolated pockets of South
Gippsland, Spiny Rush is native to Europe, Africa and the Americas. A
large, tough, perennial rush to 150cm tall with extremely sharp
pointed leaf tips-if you accidently poke yourself in the face with
this plant you'll know about, that's for sure!
Spiny Rush tolerates saline soils making it widespread from saline
costal flats to saline inland swamps and irrigation drains. The plant
is classified as a noxious weed in Victoria given its capacity to
exclude preferred pasture species, injure stock and restrict the
movements of animals, machinery and humans.
A couple of rushes you're more likely to see in these parts, (than
Spiny Rush) are Tall Rush (Juncus procerus) and Loose-flower Rush
(Juncus pauciflorus). These species are native, and not listed as
noxious in Victoria.
In spite of these species being native, many farmers consider them a
weed when found growing in a paddock situation. Often asking "How can
I get rid of those pesky rushes that continue to grow in the wet areas
of my paddocks!?' There are herbicides that will kill rushes however
to prevent reinvasion drainage of the site needs to be addressed i.e.
they will return if conditions are favourable.
Other farmers see how the rushes provide shelter and refuge for lambs
and therefore consider them to be more of an asset than a burden.
Rushes growing along gullies or drainage lines are earmarked to be
fenced off and planted out by people who recognise that these areas
are of marginal production value i.e. they may as well be fenced off
because they have limited production value anyway.
From an ecological point of view, rushes can provide food and cover
for animals such as frogs (Sanity & Jacobs, 1994; Anon, 2004) and
nesting sites for birds, and yabbies eat the tender young stems of
some species. Rushes can also out-compete less desirable and more
obstructive plants along the edges of waterways and can act to
stabilise creek banks.
At the end of the day, whether you love or hate them- rushes are here
to stay. On your property, the decision on keeping them or getting
rid of them is yours however I hope this article makes yours an
informed one.
Kate
found in swamps and along watercourses throughout the region. After
experiencing 2 years of high rainfall, the boom in rushes comes much
to the dismay or delight of landholders (depending on what they want
to get out of their land).
Juncus species are distinguished as robust tussocks of green steams
with flowers found in clusters on one side of the stem. They are
difficult to tell apart given there are 68 species found in all states
of Australia and that several different species are often found
growing together.
Of the 68 species, 31 are native to Australia and the rest are
naturalised i.e. originated elsewhere in the world but established and
reproducing itself without deliberate human assistance (National
Herbarium of NSW, cited 8, Oct. 2012).
The good news is that of the 68 species, only 1 of is of real concern
from a 'noxious weed' perspective; Juncus acutus or Spiny Rush as it
is commonly known. Currently only found in isolated pockets of South
Gippsland, Spiny Rush is native to Europe, Africa and the Americas. A
large, tough, perennial rush to 150cm tall with extremely sharp
pointed leaf tips-if you accidently poke yourself in the face with
this plant you'll know about, that's for sure!
Spiny Rush tolerates saline soils making it widespread from saline
costal flats to saline inland swamps and irrigation drains. The plant
is classified as a noxious weed in Victoria given its capacity to
exclude preferred pasture species, injure stock and restrict the
movements of animals, machinery and humans.
A couple of rushes you're more likely to see in these parts, (than
Spiny Rush) are Tall Rush (Juncus procerus) and Loose-flower Rush
(Juncus pauciflorus). These species are native, and not listed as
noxious in Victoria.
In spite of these species being native, many farmers consider them a
weed when found growing in a paddock situation. Often asking "How can
I get rid of those pesky rushes that continue to grow in the wet areas
of my paddocks!?' There are herbicides that will kill rushes however
to prevent reinvasion drainage of the site needs to be addressed i.e.
they will return if conditions are favourable.
Other farmers see how the rushes provide shelter and refuge for lambs
and therefore consider them to be more of an asset than a burden.
Rushes growing along gullies or drainage lines are earmarked to be
fenced off and planted out by people who recognise that these areas
are of marginal production value i.e. they may as well be fenced off
because they have limited production value anyway.
From an ecological point of view, rushes can provide food and cover
for animals such as frogs (Sanity & Jacobs, 1994; Anon, 2004) and
nesting sites for birds, and yabbies eat the tender young stems of
some species. Rushes can also out-compete less desirable and more
obstructive plants along the edges of waterways and can act to
stabilise creek banks.
At the end of the day, whether you love or hate them- rushes are here
to stay. On your property, the decision on keeping them or getting
rid of them is yours however I hope this article makes yours an
informed one.
Kate
Friday, July 6, 2012
Fox on clocks on bricks and blocks
Have you heard that roughly 60% of the fox population is comprised of
first year animals, with less than 3% of the population older than 5
years? Therefore, the foxes you see are likely to be part of a large
floating population of first year foxes looking for somewhere to live,
establishing or filling a vacant territory (according to research).
Foxes have been found to establish a new home range in about 24 hours,
travelling up to 11 km from their birth place to do so.
The research study, led by Scientist Alan Robley at the Department of
Sustainability and Environment, Arthur Rylah Institute, Victoria also
found that is reasonable to expect 3-4 foxes per square kilometres in
temperate grazing lands.
The fact that roughly 60% of the population is comprised of first year
animals is cold comfort to the fact that cubs are sexually mature
after 9-10 month i.e. taking an 11month old fox out of the system is
likely to mean there are still 4 (on average) cubs elsewhere.
Irrespective of this, landholders in Victoria have a legal
responsibility to control foxes. Distemper, hepatitis and mange are
known to be widespread among foxes (DPI 2007). They also carry several
species of tapeworms and roundworms that parasitize domestic animals.
Not to mention the obvious impacts on farming and native species.
There are plenty of ways to justify their control- but how is it best
done?
Before I answer that question, you need to ask yourself several questions first;
1. Are foxes the key problem are there other issues? E.g. lamb
starvation, mismothering or exposure
2. Do you have a goal for undertaking fox control i.e. to reduce
the loss of stock? Management options need to be linked to objectives
3. If you commence a fox control program, are you able to
implement it over a sustained period? This is a key question if the
protection of native species is your objective i.e. long term control
is the only practical option
4. Have you thought about how you are going to monitor and
evaluate the program? In terms of operational monitoring e.g. costs
and resources and performance monitoring using performance indicators
i.e. increase in lamb numbers by x%
Now that you have answered those 4 questions it is time for my answer
(which should come as no surprise) – fox control is best done using a
range of techniques, over a long period of time in coordination with
neighbors (the wider the area the better). The Friends of Venus Bay
Peninsula Inc. and Tarwin Landcare group are coordinating respective
fox control programs with success for the protection of stock and
species such as hooded plovers. The Friends of group have been doing
so for the last 6 years with the support of Parks Victoria and the
DSE. Showing that coordinated long term control, over a wide
geographical area, can be done.
To help you determine what techniques suit your needs, local vermin
control contractor, Peter Wright has kindly provided the following
information:
Fox control options
Shooting
Pros: Cheap, can target individual animals, low off target risk, what
you shoot is what you get
Cons: Limited areas, noisy for neighbours, only get the fox you can see
Note: The use of firearm to control foxes must conform to relevant
firearm legislation
Baiting
Pros: Relatively cheap, targets all animals at all times, effective
all year round
Cons: Risk to off target animals, (dogs and cats) caching of baits,
hard to gauge effectiveness, lot of paperwork and regulations
Note: 1080 pest animal bait products can only be purchased by
authorised persons, these being:
· A person holding a valid Agricultural Chemical User Permit
(ACUP) with 1080 endorsement issued under the Agricultural and
Veterinary Chemicals (Control of Use Act) 1992
· A person or entity holding a valid Commercial Operator
Licence (COL) with a vermin destroyer endorsement issued under the
Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Control of Use) Act 1992, or
the staff listed on the COL who have completed a Course in Minimising
the Risks in the Use of 1080 Pest Animal Bait Products for Vertebrate
Pest Control
Trapping
Pros: Off target animals can be released, results can be seen
Cons: Can be expensive, need specialised equipment so not viable for self use
Exclusion fencing
Pros: Permanent year round protection
Cons: Expensive, doesn't remove foxes
Companion animal
Pros: Year round protection
Cons: Doesn't remove foxes
Fumigation
Pros: Takes out mum and the kids while they are in the den
Cons: Dens are hard to locate, only useful during the breeding season
(spring) and unlikely to control the dog foxes
first year animals, with less than 3% of the population older than 5
years? Therefore, the foxes you see are likely to be part of a large
floating population of first year foxes looking for somewhere to live,
establishing or filling a vacant territory (according to research).
Foxes have been found to establish a new home range in about 24 hours,
travelling up to 11 km from their birth place to do so.
The research study, led by Scientist Alan Robley at the Department of
Sustainability and Environment, Arthur Rylah Institute, Victoria also
found that is reasonable to expect 3-4 foxes per square kilometres in
temperate grazing lands.
The fact that roughly 60% of the population is comprised of first year
animals is cold comfort to the fact that cubs are sexually mature
after 9-10 month i.e. taking an 11month old fox out of the system is
likely to mean there are still 4 (on average) cubs elsewhere.
Irrespective of this, landholders in Victoria have a legal
responsibility to control foxes. Distemper, hepatitis and mange are
known to be widespread among foxes (DPI 2007). They also carry several
species of tapeworms and roundworms that parasitize domestic animals.
Not to mention the obvious impacts on farming and native species.
There are plenty of ways to justify their control- but how is it best
done?
Before I answer that question, you need to ask yourself several questions first;
1. Are foxes the key problem are there other issues? E.g. lamb
starvation, mismothering or exposure
2. Do you have a goal for undertaking fox control i.e. to reduce
the loss of stock? Management options need to be linked to objectives
3. If you commence a fox control program, are you able to
implement it over a sustained period? This is a key question if the
protection of native species is your objective i.e. long term control
is the only practical option
4. Have you thought about how you are going to monitor and
evaluate the program? In terms of operational monitoring e.g. costs
and resources and performance monitoring using performance indicators
i.e. increase in lamb numbers by x%
Now that you have answered those 4 questions it is time for my answer
(which should come as no surprise) – fox control is best done using a
range of techniques, over a long period of time in coordination with
neighbors (the wider the area the better). The Friends of Venus Bay
Peninsula Inc. and Tarwin Landcare group are coordinating respective
fox control programs with success for the protection of stock and
species such as hooded plovers. The Friends of group have been doing
so for the last 6 years with the support of Parks Victoria and the
DSE. Showing that coordinated long term control, over a wide
geographical area, can be done.
To help you determine what techniques suit your needs, local vermin
control contractor, Peter Wright has kindly provided the following
information:
Fox control options
Shooting
Pros: Cheap, can target individual animals, low off target risk, what
you shoot is what you get
Cons: Limited areas, noisy for neighbours, only get the fox you can see
Note: The use of firearm to control foxes must conform to relevant
firearm legislation
Baiting
Pros: Relatively cheap, targets all animals at all times, effective
all year round
Cons: Risk to off target animals, (dogs and cats) caching of baits,
hard to gauge effectiveness, lot of paperwork and regulations
Note: 1080 pest animal bait products can only be purchased by
authorised persons, these being:
· A person holding a valid Agricultural Chemical User Permit
(ACUP) with 1080 endorsement issued under the Agricultural and
Veterinary Chemicals (Control of Use Act) 1992
· A person or entity holding a valid Commercial Operator
Licence (COL) with a vermin destroyer endorsement issued under the
Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Control of Use) Act 1992, or
the staff listed on the COL who have completed a Course in Minimising
the Risks in the Use of 1080 Pest Animal Bait Products for Vertebrate
Pest Control
Trapping
Pros: Off target animals can be released, results can be seen
Cons: Can be expensive, need specialised equipment so not viable for self use
Exclusion fencing
Pros: Permanent year round protection
Cons: Expensive, doesn't remove foxes
Companion animal
Pros: Year round protection
Cons: Doesn't remove foxes
Fumigation
Pros: Takes out mum and the kids while they are in the den
Cons: Dens are hard to locate, only useful during the breeding season
(spring) and unlikely to control the dog foxes
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