Yarra Indian Myna Action Group Information Booklet Photo Courtesy of Damien Cosma
Contents Introduction to Yarra Indian Myna Action Group Page 4 Introduction to the Indian Myna Page 5 Identification of the Indian Myna: Introduced verses Native Page 6 Behaviors and Habits of the Indian Myna Page 7 Stopping The Invasion Page 8 Indian Mynas and your surrounding Areas. Page 9 Trapping Tips Page 10 References Page 12 Page 3
Introduction The Yarra Indian Myna Action Group (YIMAG) was established with the aim to reduce the impact of the Indian myna on our native birds and wildlife. With the understanding that it is unlikely to totally eliminate the Indian mynas from the local environment the YIMAG strives to increase the awareness within the local and rural communities that the Indian mynas are a serious environmental and health threat, not just a nuisance. By manufacturing specially designed traps to trap the Indian myna, we can then reduce the number of Indian mynas in our local habitats. Page 4
Introduction to the Indian Myna In Australia the Indian mynas thrive in habitats created by humans, such as urban, industrial and agricultural areas and areas of open woodland. How They came to be in Australia: Indian Mynas are native to the Indian sub-continent (Iran-Sri Lanka). They were brought to Melbourne market gardens in the 1860 s to control the insect population. They were then taken to cairns and other places in the far north Queensland to control insects in the cane fields. They failed to control insect pests! Why they are a problem: Indian Myna Birds have had a devastating effect on our local wildlife. This intelligent but aggressive species is known to displace native birds, killing their nestlings and eggs and stopping the breeding of native birds. They also compete with native wildlife i.e. Possums and sugar gliders for food and habitat. The Indian mynas also cause significant damage to fruit and grain crops, as well as domestic food production. Legislative control: Indian mynas are an introduced species and are not protected in Victoria or any other state in Australia. As they are feral birds, no permission is required to trap or dispose of them. However obligations exist through relevant animal welfare legislation to treat and dispose of the birds humanely. In Victoria, Indian Mynas are not listed as a pest species under the catchment and land protection act 1994 and so there is no legislative requirement to control them. Page 5
Identification Of the Indian Myna: Introduced verses Native Both Birds have yellow beaks and a yellow patch around their eyes. Indian Mynas are predominantly brown with a black head. In flight the Indian mynas white wing patches are clearly visible. Noisy Miners are native birds that are predominantly grey. They are protected and must be released if trapped. Page 6
Behaviors and Habits of the Indian Myna Behavior: (photo courtesy of Kate Grarock) The Indian Myna's behaviour is seasonal. As they start earlier than native birds they form breeding pairs from September to March and can raise multiple clutches per year, with 4-5 chicks per clutch. when the juveniles are ready to fly they join larger groups and move to communal roosts where they can number in the hundreds. They split up in the mornings, travelling in small family groups to look for food and often visit regular feeding sites. Mynas are well adapted to urban areas where feeding sites are plentiful. They are often seen resting on power lines and prowling shops and schools. They nest in the gaps in city buildings and petrol stations, air conditioners, and in house roofs and gutters. They take over nest boxes and displace native birds and animals. They invade back yard gardens, feeding from grevilleas and seed put out to attract native birds. They particularly like leftover pet food. Page 7
Stopping The Invasion Mynas thrive where there is easy access to food: Seed for native birds will attract Indian Mynas and they will quickly dominate your garden. If you see Mynas at your bird feeder or in your garden, stop putting out birdseed immediately. Feed pets inside, or if that is not possible, put pet food inside during the day. Feed chickens and ducks in a secure pen so Mynas can t get to the food. If you feed goats or horses, it is best to stay with the animals while they are feeding and clean up spilled or leftover pellets or grain. Breaking the cycle: Mynas nest in tree hollows, roofs, exotic trees and the dead fronds of palms. To break the cycle: Block holes in roofs and eaves. Keep palms well trimmed. Bird mite infestations can cause severe itching and rashes if you have a Myna nest in your roof, gutters, a backyard tree or a bird box in your garden, you should destroy it before the eggs hatch. Put the nest in a garbage bag in your garbage bin. Wear gloves when handling Myna nests. Plant native plants and bushes Page 8
Indian Mynas and your surrounding Areas. Reduced biodiversity Mynas are extremely aggressive, competing with native wildlife for scarce resources. They evict animals and birds from their nests, attack chicks of other species and breed in tree hollows rendering them unuseable by other wildlife. This is of particular concern, as approximately 15% of our land-dwelling vertebrate species depend on tree hollows for shelter or breeding throughout some stage of their life. Reduced aesthetics Indian mynas form communal roosts which can consist of hundreds of birds. The noise and fouling around nesting and roost sites can be considerable and in public places such as schools and shopping centres, also pose a health risk. Damage to Homes Myna nests can block Rain water drains on roofs and gutters, often causing internal water damage and blockage to buildings. The Indian myna can also infest you roof and insulation with mites. Disease vector Indian Mynas are carriers of bird mite which can cause severe itching and dermatitis. They also carry other avian diseases such as psittacosis and salmonellosis which can potentially impact on human health. Page 9
Trapping Tips Traps should only be placed on private property, to avoid public liability issues and the potential for vandalism or damage to the trap. Place the trap in an open area or where birds already feed, or areas where they overlook from vantage points e.g. Powerlines, TV ariels etc. Place the trap where minimal people and animals will come in contact with the trap. Secure the trap if domestic animals or foxes have access. Baiting and feeding Initially bait the trap with a food the birds are accustomed to feeding on eg various bird seeds, bread scraps, chook food etc. YIMAG recommends after a few days changing the bait to dried cat food, preferably with red bits. Do not bait traps with cereal and grain-based foods (birdseed and breadcrumbs etc) as this attracts non-target birds. When baiting the trap place a small amount of bait outside the trap to attract mynas to the area, inside the entrance tunnels, and also inside the trap so that the mynas can see the food directly in front of them when they are in the tunnel as this stimulates their interests. Ensure that there is food and fresh water in the larger containment chamber for captured birds. Monitor daily to ensure bait and water are available while trapping but try not to attend to the trap during daylight hours do the birds don't associate the trap with danger. Keep pets (particularly cats) away when trapping as the birds see cats and dogs as predators and are unlikely to approach the trap. Ensure the traps are baited early in the daylight hours as this is when they start their morning food search. Page 10
General Maintenance Clean the trap regularly and relocate the trap after the area becomes soiled from captured birds, as they don t appear to like being around their own excrement. Place newspaper or cardboard under the trap if using the trap on paved surfaces to avoid spoiling your pavements. Don t be disappointed if you don t catch birds every day. They are spasmodic in their movements, so keep at it. They may have moved to another food source in the area but will return if you keep feeding. It is always useful to keep a calling bird in the containment chamber of the trap as this draws others to the trap. Birds are to be provided shelter, either shade or a cover during harsh weather conditions. Euthanasia Use gloves when handling live or dead birds as wild birds may carry disease. Methods of euthanasia are to be quick and with minimal stress. The aloud methods are cervical fracture (broken neck), gassing with carbon dioxide (available in cylinders) or carbon monoxide from the exhaust of a COLD petrol engine. Takes 2-3 minutes. Cervical fractures can be done by taking the bird in your left hand (if right handed) and the head between the first two fingers of the right hand with the thumb under the beak. Pull sharply with both hands pulling the birds head back over the neck. Bodies may be wrapped well and put in the rubbish bin or buried Some vets are willing to carry out humane euthanasia, but check with your vet first. Birds must be destroyed within 24 hours of capture. Always abide by the Protocol on animal welfare The prevention of cruelty to animals act 1986 (vic) Page 11
References Kate Grarock. PhD Scholar At ANU (Australian National University), Does removal of Indian Mynas affect native Australian Birds?, kate.grarock@anu.edu.au Canberra Indian myna action group: www.indianmynaaction.org.au/ Hawkesbury Indian Myna Action Group: http://www.hawkesbury.nsw.gov.au/newsand-events/all-news/2009/indian-myna-workshop Other useful sites: http://www.indianmyna.org/ http://fennerschool-associated.anu.edu.au/myna/ http://www.indianmynaeradication.com/ en.wikipedia.org/wiki/common_myna Youtube Videos and links: A Myna Inconvenience - UTS Journalism Assignment: http://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=kisk8slesms PEE GEE's (INDIAN / COMMON) MYNA TRAP... IN ACTION: http:// www.youtube.com/watch?v=i0mkt_kynno A MYNA SUCCESS: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w4lfiakfvio MYNAS = FLYING RATS: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vbqf6hkbft4 Page 12
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YIMAG Yarra Indian Myna Action Group