Indian Mynas

Poster: You can have native birds... or Indian Mynas... but not both.Indian Mynas are recent invaders to Byron Shire and their populations are growing in number at an increasingly rapid rate.

Indian Mynas are a threat to the survival of our native wildlife. These pest birds outcompete native birds and mammals for tree hollows by working together to bully adults and eject any nestlings before taking over nest sites.

Tweed and Byron Shire Councils are working together to implement an Indian Myna control program. The program is funded by the NSW State Government's Environmental Trust and has four main components:

  1. raising public awareness that Indian Mynas are a serious environmental and health threat, and that we all need to be involved in controlling this species;
  2. supporting the community to undertake a humane reduction program;
  3. networking with other councils to increase the level of Indian Myna control that is happening in other areas; and
  4. monitoring the success of the program.

For the Indian Myna control program to be successful we need a high level of community involvement. The problem is too big for any one person, or group of people, to tackle.

With a concerted, coordinated and sustained effort, the control program aims to have a significant impact on reducing the Indian Myna population in the region, and therefore give our native birds and small mammals a fighting chance of survival into the future.

If you are interested in becoming involved in controlling Indian Mynas contact the Pam Gray, Indian Myna Project Officer on 02 6670 2778

Indian Mynas, introduced pests vs. Noisy Miners, local native Honeyeaters

Indian Mynas are often confused with the native honeyeater Noisy Miner because they have similar behaviour. If you are unsure which you are seeing in your neighbourhood or property check the differences.