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Indian Mynas
Indian Mynas in Australia
Common Indian Mynas were first brought to Melbourne in 1862 to control insect pests in market gardens. Even though they weren't successful at doing this, they were soon spread around Australia. There are now feral colonies all around Australia.
Indian Mynas are a problem because:
They compete aggressively with native wildlife for nesting hollows, evicting and killing the young of native animals. Examples of animals affected include birds like Kookaburras, Rosellas & Dollar birds, & small mammals like Sugar Gliders & Ringtail Possums.
Indian Mynas invade endangered habitats and further increase the risk of extinction of some endangered native species.
They also can be an economic problem because they damage grain and fruit crops. Mynas can also spread mites and they have the potential to spread disease to people and domestic animals. They can also be a problem in outdoor eating areas as they become fearless about stealing food off people's plates.
How are they controlled?
An Indian Myna trap was developed by the Australian National University in 2005. Mynas are caught in the trap and can then be euthanased using carbon dioxide.
What the law says about Indian Mynas:
In 2000 Common Indian Mynas were listed by the World Conservation Union (IUCN) as one of the World's 100 Worst Invasive Species.
What you can do to help:
If you wish to control Myna birds on your property you may contact pest control companies listed in the yellow pages.
Updated: 02 Dec 2011