Shoalhaven City Council aims to put together a report on a way forward to establish a co-ordinated community-based Indian Myna bird eradication program.
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The Shoalhaven is renowned for the diversity of its wildlife in particular birds, but one species that has made its mark in the wrong way is the Indian Myna bird.
Myna birds harass and threaten native and endangered wildlife, native birds, possums and sugar gliders out of tree hollows, destroying leftover nests, eggs and hatchlings while creating room for their own chicks.
They forage for food near humans, cause problems in parks, schools, retail area rubbish bins and backyards.
They also cause significant losses to farmers because of their liking of soft fruits and berries.
The report will research surveying options, community awareness, an education program and recommend possibilities in consultation with relevant animal welfare agencies.
- The program will aim to:
- Reduce the breeding, feeding and roosting opportunities of these pests;Implement a trapping program that is acceptable to the community
- Council and animal welfare agencies;Survey and record Indian Myna bird numbers and impact to assist with research and program development, and
- Develop an urban landscape policy that will discourage the proliferation of Myna birds through the planting of low native shrubs and ground-covers and reducing the extent of open grassed areas.
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The Indian Myna, which is native to Southern Asia was introduced to Australia in the 1860's to control insects in Melbourne market gardens and later in Queensland cane fields.
They have been described by the World Conservation Union as one of the World's 100 most invasive species.
Because of their aggression, intelligence and skill as scavengers, they are now one of the most common birds in cities and towns along the East Coast of Australia.
The Canberra Indian Myna Action Group and Councils such as Wollongong, Canterbury and Hawkesbury all run similar successful programs of eradication.
