Acridotheres fuscus (bird)

Ecology Distribution Management Info Impact Info References and Links Contacts

Management Information Poisons such as avicides (starlacide DRC1339) were used against the jungle myna (Acridotheres fuscus) with highly promising outcomes, in contrast to narcotics (Alphachloralose), herbicide and pesticide. Trapping is a commonly employed tactic. A variety of foraging traps are used. These include the Tidemann trap, decoy trap and the Kadavu trap. In addition, shooting and netting methods are sometimes used (Pierce, 2005).            Location Specific Management Information Tokelau Due to the recent arrival of mynas a rapid response is warranted. A new invasion and a relatively small population present an opportunity for a successful eradication. In May 2006 a PII (Pacific Invasives Initiative) feasibility study was conducted on Fale islet, Fakaofo. Eradication will continue into the nesting season. It is anticipated that this project will help raise awareness of the threat that Tokelau faces from invasive species. Eradication of mynas without toxins or firearms was proposed by the Taupulega Fakaofo (Fakaofo Council of Elders). Birds were initially identified as the common myna (Acridotheres tristis) and the population estimated at around 40 birds in January 2006. However, a feasibility study (11-16 May 2006) showed birds to be the jungle myna and only 3 birds to be present. Jungle mynas are more secretive than common mynas and less is known of their communal and commensal behaviour. Jungle mynas are about 75% the size of common mynas. Constraints to the project include the fact that toxins and firearms are prohibited by the Taupulega and cage and nestbox traps are designed for the common myna, not the smaller jungle myna. The advantages are that there are only 3 birds and they are all on Fale Islet and that people are supportive and willing to be trained in the use of cage and nestbox traps. The conclusion of the feasibility study was that eradication is with cage trap initially and nestbox traps during breeding season is feasible.          Management Resources/Links 1. Bomford, M., 2003. Risk Assessment for the Import and Keeping of Exotic Vertebrates in Australia. Bureau of Rural Sciences, Canberra.         Summary: Available from: http://www.feral.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/PC12803.pdf [Accessed August 19 2010] 2. Doherty, N. 2006. Information booklet for the “National Control of the myna” (Acridotheres spp.). Government of Samoan Division of Environment & Conservation         Summary: Available from: http://www.mnre.gov.ws/documents/projects/environment/terrestrial/Myna/Myna%20Bird_fact%20sheets.pdf [Accessed 3 November 2009] 3. IUCN/SSC Invasive Species Specialist Group (ISSG)., 2010. A Compilation of Information Sources for Conservation Managers.         Summary: This compilation of information sources can be sorted on keywords for example: Baits & Lures, Non Target Species, Eradication, Monitoring, Risk Assessment, Weeds, Herbicides etc. This compilation is at present in Excel format, this will be web-enabled as a searchable database shortly. This version of the database has been developed by the IUCN SSC ISSG as part of an Overseas Territories Environmental Programme funded project XOT603 in partnership with the Cayman Islands Government - Department of Environment. The compilation is a work under progress, the ISSG will manage, maintain and enhance the database with current and newly published information, reports, journal articles etc. 4. Pacific Invasives Initiative (PII). Undated. A major myna matter: managing invasive birds in the Pacific. 5. Pierce, R.J. 2005. A Preliminary Review of Interactions Between Introduced Mynas and Indigenous Vertebrate Fauna and Methods for Controlling Mynas.          Results Page: 1