Central Coast Indian Myna Action Group Inc'

1
Central CoastIndian Myna Action Group Inc.
Helping Preserve Our Native Birdlife

• Project Overview

The Indian Myna
The Creeping Menace
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What is the Indian Myna and why is it a problem?
Central CoastIndian Myna Action Group Inc.
Helping Preserve Our Native Birdlife

• Native to India and Southern China
• Introduced into Australia in 1862
• Now occupies most of the Eastern seaboard
• Establishes colonies in urban areas, then invades
  the surrounding countryside
• Breeds more than once a season

3
Impact on the Environment
Central CoastIndian Myna Action Group Inc.
Helping Preserve Our Native Birdlife

• Competes with our native birds for tree hollows,
  killing chicks and destroying eggs to commandeer
  nesting places
• Also kills smaller more timid birds like wrens
  and wagtails
• And kills or evicts small mammals like sugar
  gliders and small possums

4
Human health risks
Central CoastIndian Myna Action Group Inc.
Helping Preserve Our Native Birdlife

• Nests under roofs in dwellings, warehouses,
  loading docks
• Nests are heavily infested with bird mites
• Feeds in school grounds, shopping centres,
  outdoor eating areas, fast food outlets, etc.
• Concentrated fouling at feeding areas and roost
  sites
• Noise at roost sites pre dawn and dusk

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What is the CCIMAG?
Central CoastIndian Myna Action Group Inc.
Helping Preserve Our Native Birdlife

• Incorporated Association of Central Coast
  residents
• Share a common concern at large increase in
  population of the Indian Myna bird in the region
• Concern stems from knowledge of environmental
  damage and health risks
• Committed to the protection and restoration of
  our native birdlife - an environmental project,
  not a vendetta against the Indian Myna

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What is the CCIMAG? (contd)
Central CoastIndian Myna Action Group Inc.
Helping Preserve Our Native Birdlife

• Formed 23 May 2003
• Currently 250 Central Coast members
• Interest in our activities expressed by many
  other communities and councils
• First large volunteer community group in
  Australia to tackle the Indian Myna problem

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Group Objectives
Central CoastIndian Myna Action Group Inc.
Helping Preserve Our Native Birdlife

• Research and document the species impact on
  health and the environment.
• Research and document control methods used
  elsewhere.
• Communicate our research findings to the
  community, business and government.
• Collaborate with the community, business and
  government to plan and implement a control
  program for the Central Coast.

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Research Report
Central CoastIndian Myna Action Group Inc.
Helping Preserve Our Native Birdlife

• Major Milestone, Research Report completed 1
  September 2003
• Impact on health and the environment - provides
  compelling evidence to justify an eradication
  program.
• Available eradication methods explores options
  for a control program
• Report conclusion - recommendations for a control
  program for the Central Coast and other areas of
  Australia

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Control Program Recommendations
Central CoastIndian Myna Action Group Inc.
Helping Preserve Our Native Birdlife

• Increase public awareness.
• Develop community, business and government
  preventative actions to help limit the spread of
  the bird.
• Implement a humane reduction program based on
  trapping.

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Key Elements ofTrapping System
Central CoastIndian Myna Action Group Inc.
Helping Preserve Our Native Birdlife

• Proven in Canberra field trials over 18 months
• Selective for mynas (and starlings)
• Solves Myna avoidance behaviour
• Considered humane by animal welfare authorities
• Minimises necessity for handling

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Organisation
Central CoastIndian Myna Action Group Inc.
Helping Preserve Our Native Birdlife

• Group Activities
• Fund Raising
• Publicity
• Education
• Trapping Operations
• Rehabilitation activities
• Under the guidance of four central teams

CENTRAL COAST COMMUNITY, BUSINESS AND GOVERNMENT
ACTION GROUP MEMBERS
Local Group
Local Group
COMMUNICATIONS TEAM
ACTION TEAMS
Local Group
Local Group
Publicity Fund Raising Operations
Local Group
Local Group
Local Group
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Organisation
Central CoastIndian Myna Action Group Inc.
Helping Preserve Our Native Birdlife

• Four Central Teams
• Fund Raising
• Publicity
• Operations
• Communications
• Provide knowledge, training,materials,
  infrastructure andresources to support group
  membersand volunteers.
• Management Team
• Project Leader, Team Leaders and two other
  specialists also form the committee of the
  Association

CENTRAL COAST COMMUNITY, BUSINESS AND GOVERNMENT
ACTION GROUP MEMBERS
Local Group
Local Group
COMMUNICATIONS TEAM
ACTION TEAMS
Local Group
Local Group
Publicity Fund Raising Operations
Local Group
Local Group
Local Group
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How can you help?
Central CoastIndian Myna Action Group Inc.
Helping Preserve Our Native Birdlife

• Spread the word
• Make a donation
• Join the Action Group
• Participate in any way you feel comfortable and
  appropriate to your circumstances
• Take preventative actions where applicable
• Be patient