About this program
The ‘Common Myna Humane Reduction Program’ is a community initiative that originated from Brisbane Catchments Network’s Biodiversity Strategy and Feral Animal Awareness programs, initially supported by a Brisbane City Council Environment Grant.
Managed by B4C, this program aims to raise awareness about the impacts of Common Myna birds, promote monitoring activities, and engage volunteers to build cages to trap these birds in residential areas.
Residents interested in participating can borrow a trap at no cost after completing a brief training and quiz to ensure proper bird identification and humane treatment. A $50 refundable deposit is required, which will be reimbursed upon trap return.
To inquire further or get involved in the Myna Trapping Program, please reach out to B4C at b4c@bulimbacreek.org.au.
Why are Common Myna birds a problem?
The Common Myna has been identified as one of the world’s most destructive invasive species by the World Conservation Union (IUCN, 2000). It significantly impacts the environment by disrupting the breeding success of native bird species. Its aggressive behaviour while competing for nesting hollows leads to broken eggs, dead chicks, and the eviction of native birds from their nests, while also posing a threat to other native wildlife such as possums and gliders.
In addition to its environmental effects, the common myna presents economic challenges by causing damage to fruit, vegetables, and cereal crops, resulting in financial losses for farmers. Furthermore, it spreads problematic weeds like lantana and fireweed, negatively affecting agricultural productivity and biodiversity. The Common Myna Humane Reduction Program, though seemingly small in the context of the invasive species’ overall impact, is already showing positive results locally, with residents noting the return of small birds to their surroundings following the removal of Common Mynas.
Can we find Common Myna birds in Brisbane?
Myna Scan‘s January 2015 consultation records shows that they are all around Brisbane City and surrounding cities (Redland, Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast, Ipswich, Toowoomba).
B4C’s Vision
Our vision is to achieve a healthy and biodiverse Brisbane by reducing the impact of feral animals. B4C believes it is necessary to control populations of pest animals and take measures to reduce or eradicate the population of Common Myna, including to:
- have the Common Myna declared as a pest species under local government laws.
- sustain a community cage-capture program for the Common Myna in partnership with Brisbane City Council (BCC), including private, Council and State owned lands.
- increase community awareness of the impacts of feral animals on our wildlife and ecosystems by communicating pertinent research and facts to the general public.
- work collaboratively with the local council to manage feral animal issues.
- promote the creation of research and trainee initiatives that could improve understanding and eradication tools in relation to feral animals.
- promote planting of protective and resilient habitats through native revegetation initiatives on public and private lands.
- minimise breeding, feeding and roosting opportunities for feral animals.
Common Myna Human Reduction Program brochure (PDF)
Join and use ebird.org
ebird.org is a real-time, online checklist program which has revolutionised the way that the birding community reports and access information about birds. It allows professional and recreational birders to record and analyse sightings from all over the world.
If you have seen these birds in your area or in your ravels, you can help us by recording and sharing your sightings with us.
Related reading:
- Banyule Council declares war on ‘plagues’ of Indian myna birds (3AW, June 2016)
- Queenslanders urged to help eradicate ‘rats of the sky’ (ABC, November 2015)
