Acridotheres fuscus (bird)

Ecology Distribution Management Info Impact Info References and Links Contacts

General Impact Jungle mynas may affect growers of commercial crops due to their love of fruit (Atkinson & Atkinson, 2000). In addition, there is concerns that this species may compete for nest sites with native species.          Location Specific Impacts: Samoa   Agricultural: In Samoa it has been reported by farmers that common mynas inflict damage to papaw, tomato and banana plantations. Competition: It has been suggested that the spread of the introduced common and jungle mynas in Samoa may threaten native birds, including the native starlings. Samoa has two native starlings. The fuia or Samoan starling (Aplonis atrifusca), is the only American Samoan bird that is endemic to Samoa. The miti vao or Polynesian starling (Aplonis tabuensis), is a species that declined in number after a series of hurricanes that hit the region from 1990 to 1991. The fuia has a broad diet and habitat preference, the miti vao, however, may be at greater risk. Human nuisance: Common mynas damage buildings by nesting in them and causing an accumulation of bird droppings and debris to build up on roofs and between walls. Roosting sites which are in buildings are also a major problem as their smell and noise can be annoying. For example mynas are now roosting in the newly built South Pacific Games Aquatic Centre at Tuana'imato; large amounts of money will have to be spent in order to keep the facilities hygienic as bird droppings fall into the swimming pools and onto the chairs every night. Mynas are also a major nuisance for chicken farmers as they feed from the chicken feed and chase the chickens away. Interaction with other invasive species: Mynas have been observed feeding off the fruit and facilitating the spread of invasive plant species such as Ivy gourd (Coccinia grandis). Other: In Samoa mynas have been observed harassing native birds such as the miti, cardinal honeyeater (Myzomela cardinalis) or segasegamau'u and the blue-crowned lory (Vini australis) or segavao. Upolu Is. (Samoa)   Agricultural: In Samoa it has been reported by farmers that common mynas inflict damage to papaw, tomato and banana plantations.