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This website
describes the Common Indian Myna, Acridotheres tristis,
explains why it is a problem, and what is being done
to control it.
Topics
Identification: Mynas and Miners.
How to tell the Common Indian Myna from the Noisy Miner,
an Australian native bird. Miners were named after mynas
because they looked alike to European settlers. The
name myna comes from the Hindi maina.
Why are mynas a problem? In eastern Australia feral mynas have become a major
urban nuisance, pose potential health risks to humans
and livestock and have serious, negative impacts on
biodiversity. Mynas are listed by the World Conservation
Union as one of the World’s 100 Worst Invasive
Species.
Are Mynas Spreading?
Maps of the distribution of mynas in eastern Australia
and estimates of their numbers in the Australian Capital
Territory. A pair of mynas recently reached Tasmania
by ferry and another bird travelled to Perth on a truck.
Is it possible to Minimise Mynas?
Describes options for controlling mynas, a species-specific,
selective trap and the results of a pilot trial to minimise
mynas in Canberra in 2002-3. Poisoning is not a good
way to get rid of mynas because of the serious risks
to non-target wildlife and domestic animals.
Trapping Mynas. Mynas
are intelligent and wary birds, with excellent communication.
They learn quickly to avoid threatening situations through
their own experience and by observing others. Free-feeding
and no harassment are essential for successful trapping. Plans for traps.
Disposal: Killing Mynas Safely
and Humanely. Mynas in Australia are feral
animals that can be legally destroyed, but are protected
by law from cruelty. This page describes how trapped
mynas are humanely killed by a method that is considered
to be humane by animal welfare organizations around
the world.
Monitoring Mynas. If
you intend to minimise mynas you need to monitor myna
numbers, before and after trapping to know if you have
succeeded. Describes two simple, but reliable methods
of estimating myna numbers.
Great Nest Box Project. The ANU Great Nest Box project is giving away free nesting boxes to approved homes.
More Information? This
website contains all the information we have on mynas
at present. New information is made available as it
comes to hand. We value your interest but advise that,
due to limited resources, it is not possible for us
to respond to all queries individually.
