Major Threat For Young And Nestless
Central Coast Herald
Thursday October 23, 2003
FOUR-day-old kookaburras are no match for aggressive Indian myna birds.
These little raptor-like chicks were kicked out of their nest two days ago, evidence the introduced species is taking over urban areas.
Native Animal Trust Fund president Audrey Koosmen says it is becoming common for baby possums and birds to be targeted by mynas.
She said it was difficult enough for native animals in urban areas without the added challenge from an aggressive species.
Indian mynas are not listed as pests in NSW, but to Ms Koosmen they are little more than vermin.
``There's such competition at the moment with the drought for food; the [native] animals are having so much trouble," Ms Koosmen said.
Last week The Herald's columnist Jeff Corbett wrote about Peter Blyth, from the Central Coast, and his mission to halt the spread of Indian mynas.
Mr Blyth called a public meeting to workshop ways of trapping the birds.
The group now has more than 100 members and has sought permission to use a trap developed by Chris Tidemann, a lecturer in wildlife management at the Australian National University.
The mynas are to be destroyed using carbon dioxide, a method deemed to be humane.
Websites and university studies also address the most effective and humane way of eradicating the birds, labelled ``avian cane toads".
According to the Department of Environment and Conservation, the mynas have yet to infiltrate pristine areas.
For wildlife rescue and injuries telephone the Native Animal Trust Fund on 0500 502 294.
© 2003 Central Coast Herald