The Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate has declared the Indian Myna bird a prohibited pest animal under the Pest Plants and Animals Act 2005.
Minister for the Environment, Rebecca Vassarotti said the birds were listed on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s list of the 100 most invasive species in the world and had a significant impact on native populations.
“It is vital that we protect our unique biodiversity from devastating environmental impacts, including from invasive species such as Indian Mynas, which are widespread throughout eastern Australia and are well established across Canberra,” Ms Vassarotti said.
“Declaring Indian Mynas as a prohibited pest animal under the Act will allow local groups like the Canberra Indian Myna Action Group to continue their work in keeping populations under control, while protecting our local native biodiversity,” she said.
“The Act also prohibits the keeping, breeding, sale or release of the birds within the ACT.”
Ms Vassarotti said Indian Mynas were very aggressive and intelligent and were known to evict native birds such as kookaburras and parrots from their nests by dumping out their eggs and killing their chicks.
The Minister said that in urban habitats, Indian Mynas were considered a threat to the long-term survival of native birds and other animals like the sugar glider.
“They are also known carriers of diseases such as avian flu, with the potential to spread fatal diseases to native birds and cause harm to domestic animals and even humans,” she said.
“I would like to extend my thanks to the Canberra Indian Myna Action Group and other community groups who have gathered information on effective, humane and long-term control methods of Indian Mynas for several decades.”
Further information on the Indian Myna bird can be accessed at this PS News link.
