Flying Cane Toads – Indian Myna Birds

I hate them with a passion.
Not to be confused with the Australian Noisy Miner Bird which is a native.
The Indian Myna was introduced in the 1880’s to control insect pests and are now an environmental disaster.  Considered by many to be the flying equivalent of cane toads.

To quote the Victorian Department of Environment and Primary Industry

“The Indian Myna has been listed by the World Conservation Union (IUCN) as among the world’s 100 worst invasive species.”

If like me you want to help our native birds have half a chance against these invasive, arrogant pests then get a trap for your back yard.

If you have Indian Myna’s around it is unlikely that you will have many native birds about.

Also reduce the amount of poo on your garden furniture.

To purchase a very efficient Myna trap go here. ($50) or make your own. http://www.yimag.org.au/assets/files/PeeGee%20trap%20plans.pdf

See the image below of the trap in my back yard on the day I snared 17 Mynas, and a total of 34 over a 3 day period.

17 Mynas trapped in a day – yipee

If you have any doubt as to the damage these terrible birds cause then browse some of these links.

http://www.indianmynaaction.org.au/documents/Brochure%20-%20the%20Flying%20Cane%20Toad%201.pdf

http://www.dpi.vic.gov.au/agriculture/pests-diseases-and-weeds/pest-animals/ag1415-indian-mynas

http://www.csiro.au/promos/ozadvances/Series3Toads.html

http://www.yimag.org.au/

And there are heaps more links concerning these wretched vermin – simply Google “Flying Cane Toads” or “Indian Myna”.

Indian Myna Action Groups around Australia have had considerable success in reducing their impact, particularly in Canberra. Here in the Yarra Valley the Action Group members have trapped over 6000 birds.

So get active and help the cause.

Cheers

Graham