Have you noticed Indian Mynas encroaching on your patch? Indian mynas have been spotted across the Southern New England, having increased their territory significantly in recent years. Find out how you can help reduce their numbers...
Southern New England Landcare has10 Indian Myna traps available for hire.
Sara Schmude, Landcare Coordinator working on the project said, "We currently have volunteers in Armidale, Guyra, and at Brockley, Yarrowich and Castledoyle districts who have sighted Indian Mynas and are now hosting a trap to capture the birds."
"We are looking for more volunteers to assist with the program as these birds are a genuine threat to native birds and small mammals," she said.
Indian Mynas compete successfully for habitat by flocking in numbers, eventually driving out native species.
They can also kill native birds and other fauna by removing eggs and young from nests and hollows.
"Our trapping program will allow people to become involved in controlling this pest species," said Sara.
"We have ten traps available for use in urban and rural areas across Southern New England," she said.
Volunteer trappers recieve an Indian Myna Control Handbook available on the Southern New England Landcare website.
The handbook helps volunteer trappers to
- Identify the Indian Myna
- Understand its behaviour and habits
- Use the traps
- Ensure humane handling of captured birds
- Monitor and report bird feeding and roost sites.
Members of the public can also assist by reporting sightings of the birds to Southern New England Landcare.
"Reporting sightings will enable mapping and monitoring of their distribution, thereby increasing the effectiveness of the control program," said Sara.
Anyone who would like to assist is welcome with all efforts greatly appreciated.
For more information please call Southern New England Landcare on 6772 9123 or contact Sara Schmude via email.
This project is funded with support from Northern Tablelands Local Land Services under the Feral Fighters Program.
Image - John McKemey and Barry Higgins collect Indian Myna traps for use in the Brockley area, east of Guyra.
