Indian mynahs threatening native bird species in Australia

[Guest guest]

http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/01/18/2141434.htm?site=northcoast

Council steps up action against indian mynas

 

Posted January 18, 2008 11:32:00

 

- *Map: *Lismore

2480<http://www.abc.net.au/news/maps/map.htm?lat=-28.8093 & long=153.2808 & caption=\

Lismore

2480>

 

The Lismore City Council is urging residents to report any sightings of the

indian myna in the north-eastern New South Wales area.

 

Natural resources officer Nick Stephens says the birds have recently been

spotted near the Lismore Lake and Showground, as well as in Nimbin,

Dorroughby and Tucki Tucki.

 

Mr Stephens says traps will be loaned to residents in a bid to stop the

birds chasing out native species.

 

He says the indian mynas are an aggressive and cunning species that drive

out kookaburras, lorikeets, parrots and small mammals.

 

" They're considered the second greatest threat to native birds after

land-clearing and they've also been internationally listed in the top 100 of

the world's most invasive species, " he said.

 

" They are up there with the cane toads and rats and similar animals that

have really adapted well. "