Trapping Indian Myna Birds

Indian Mynas are recognised as a major threat to biodiversity particularly impacting on native bird populations. They are extremely agressive and territorial and outcomplete native birds in nesting sites, shelter and food sources. The Indian Myna is listed as one of the top 100 world’s worst invasive species by the World Conservation Union (IUCN).

Trapping does work in managing Indian Myna populations at a local level particularly when landholders work together to reduce numbers. Martin from Kyogle has had very positive results with the PeeWee Indian Myna trap catching 55 birds over 3 days. Laura Noble from the Clarence Valley Conservation In Action Landcare Network shared that regular trapping by a collection of landholders in the small town of Lawrance near Maclean has resulted in near elimination of the Indian Myna where just 2 years ago flocks in the hundreds were common sightings. Traps are available for hire or purchase from Northern Landcare Support Services office 40 Summerland Way Kyogle. The hire fee of $25 is refundable on return of the trap.  Come in and pick up a trap. You can make a difference!

Are Indian Mynas the Major Bird on your Property?

Have you noticed a decline in native bird species particularly parrots, rosellas, lorikeets, dollar birds and small birds such as wrens in your garden?
This may well be a result of the increase in numbers and spread of Indian Mynas throughout the Northern Rivers. Indian Mynas are agressive feral pests. They take over nesting hollows from native birds and small mammals. They kill the chicks of other birds or destroy their eggs. They even take over and defend extra nesting hollows, however they only lay eggs in one of them. Highly terratorial Indian Mynas drive away the small birds which would normally eat the insects that live on native trees and shrubs. This means the trees themselves can become unhealthy from too many insects.
 

What can people do?

Clear away food scraps after eating outdoors.

• Feed pets indoors, or clear away remaining food when they’ve finished.
• Plant native shrubs to reduce open areas in gardens. Avoid planting trees with dense foliage, such as pencil pines, in which Mynas will roost at night.
• Block holes in roofs or eaves to stop Indian Mynas from nesting – make sure you don’t accidentally trap a possum or bat.
• On farms, feed stock only as much as they need, cover the feed bins and clean up any spills.
• Get involved with a Community Trapping Program. Traps are available for loan through Northern Landcare Support Services (66323722) in Kyogle as well as through local councils in Lismore, Casino, Byron, Tweed and Ballina.
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• Build a trap yourself. Click here to view a plan for an Indian Myna trap.