Environment

Indian Myna Eradication Scheme

What is Council doing about the problem?

What have we done

The trapping program involved the placement and distribution of four (4) types of traps (PeeGee, MynaX and Mini Myna, Myna Magnet) across four (4) habitat types ranging from highly developed urban settings to rural settings for 6 months.

• The PeeGee Trap is the most effective trap type for the Blacktown area.
• Community interest is extremely high
• Birds are concentrating in Blacktown Council Area's eastern suburbs (established suburbs and new estates, such as Kings Langley Stanhope Gardens, Acacia Gardens, Lalor Park, Seven Hills).
• The Indian Myna is the most abundant bird species in the western and north-western suburbs of Sydney. Densities of birds range consistently from 3-35 birds per square kilometre, but densities of Indian Mynas were recorded at over 100 birds per square kilometre on several occasions.
• Indian Mynas were present in higher densities in urban areas of the Blacktown LGA and urban areas had a greater proportion of exotic birds.
• Exotic species, such as the Indian Myna and domestic pigeons were more common in urban areas; however, European Starlings were twice as likely to be counted in rural areas. In general, native species were more commonly observed in rural areas, except for Rainbow Lorikeets and Galahs.
• The capture of one Indian Myna bird in a trap often resulted in the presence and potential capture of other flock members.
• Indian Mynas in the Blacktown LGA almost exclusively locate night-time roosting areas in either conifers (predominantly introduced cypress pines) or palm trees (cocos and date).
• As part of the bait preference trials, Indian Mynas were observed predominantly feeding at bait stations that contained dry dog food or mealworms; however, Indian Mynas and Starlings were the only species to consume boiled rice. Native Parrot species were only observed feeding at seed mix bait stations, where as Currawongs and Magpies also consumed dog food.

What Council are doing NOW

The trial has now concluded and Council hire Indian Myna Traps out (free of charge) to residents through the Animals Holding Facility.

If you would like to be placed on the waiting list for a trap please call Council on 9839 6000.

Residents are advised that as part of the trap hire program, hirees are responsible for euthanising the birds themselves, as per the Department of Industry guidelines.