Management Information
In Australia a risk assessment model developed by the Bureau of Rural Sciences has been used as a basis for classifying the risk exotic species pose in Australia (Bomdord 2003). The model, partly based on the ability of the species to establish colonies and be a pest, places the common Indian myna (Acridotheres tristis) in the highest threat category.
Preventative measures: Long term management practices may include the modification of habitats, the limitation of resources and education of the public. Attempts to restrict food may be fraught with difficulty as the myna’s highly varied diet allows it to resort to other sources of food, even if its preferred food is removed (Thomas 2004). Physical:The highly intelligent myna learns to avoid traditional traps. Dr Chris Tidemann at the Australian National University hypothesises that this is due to their ability to interpret the distress calls of any trapped mynas and thus avoid the traps (Thomas 2004). Ironically the type of trap currently being trialled and used in Australia is based on the concept of providing the mynas with a “home away from home” for a few days prior to trapping; by providing food, shelter and perches in cages. The traps encourage more mynas to visit and roost inside; the birds are eventually killed with carbon dioxide (Thomas 2004).
Integrated management: This may be a promising course of action, as invasive bird species are frequently associated with human modified environments (Lim Sodhi Brook and Soh 2003).
Location Specific Management InformationAscension Is. (Saint Helena)
Acridotheres tristis predation might need to be reduced. Awaiting outome of long term study (Hughes, 2004 in Varnham, 2006). Mallorca Is. (Spain)
A control campaign was undertaken in late 2006. Most of the specimens which formed the population of common myna in Mallorca have been eliminated through live catches. The total numbers of birds caught were 12. It was beleived (at the end of the campaign – 18th December 2006) – that there were two birds in the wild in the Andraxt area and an unknown number in captivity (Live Arico Tenerife Animal and Environmental Protection, 2007). Mangaia Is. (Cook Islands)
The Taporoporo’anga Ipukarea Society (TIS), with the support of the PII (Pacific Invasives Initiative) has a proposal to eradicate the invasive common myna from Mangaia. Seychelles
Common Indian mynas (Acridotheres tristis) are subject to control programmes on some Seychelles islands (Merton et al. 2002). Tel Aviv (Israel)
An eradication action plan is about to be implemented, mainly targeting roosting sites.
Management Resources/Links
4. Hails, C. J. 1985. Studies of problem bird species in Singapore: I. Sturnidae (Mynas and Starlings). A report submitted to the commissioner for Parks and Recreation, Ministry of National Development, Singapore.
Summary: Notes on invasive characteristics. 5. Hatzofe, O. and Perelman, Y. 2001. Myna trapping trial report: summary and recommendations. Israel Nature and Parks Authority internal report of the Science and Conservation Division. 4pp.
Summary: In Hebrew. 7. Kang, N., Sigurdsson, J. B., Hails, C. J., & Counsilman J. J. 1990. Some implications of resource removal in the control of mynas (Acridotheres spp.) in Singapore. Malayan Nature Journal 44: 103-108.
Summary: Long term management issues. 8. Lim, H.C., Sodhi, N.S., Brook, B.W. and Soh, M.C.K. 2003. Undesirable Aliens: Factors Determining the Distribution of Three Invasive Bird Species in Singapore, Journal of Tropical Ecology 19: 685–695.
Summary: Land use in Singapore and the presence of invasive birds. 9. Live Arico Tenerife Animal and Environmental Protection, 2007. First campaign for Common Myna (Acridotheres tristis) control in the island of Mallorca. Final Report for the Environment Departament Balearic Islands’ Government 10. Pell, A.S. and Tidemann, C.R. 1997. The ecology of the common myna (Acridotheres tristis) in urban nature reserves in the Australian Capital Territory (Abstract), EMU 97: 141-149.
Summary: Mynas and their association with reserves. Results Page: 1
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