Trapping
Portable pig traps
Portable pig traps are available free of charge to assist with control of feral pigs. Pigs will normally require pre-feeding prior to trapping.
Indian myna bird traps
Indian myna
Indian myna's (Acridotheres tristis) are an aggressive invader which will quickly move into an area forcing native birds out. They are listed as one of the world's most invasive pest species. These pest birds have thrived in and around the townships of Childers, Apple Tree Creek and Cordalba for many years.
The Indian myna is usually found close to human habitation. In the evening, large groups of Indian mynas' gather in communal roosts, mainly in the non-breeding season, in roof voids, bridges and large trees and numbers can reach up to several thousands.
The increasing numbers of Indian myna birds is a result of its opportunistic behaviour and aggressiveness towards other species, bullying them for food and out competing them for nesting sites. They are a pest and a threat to native birds and wildlife.
In 2009, Bundaberg Regional Council commenced a program to reduce the environmental impacts caused by Indian myna's on our regions native wildlife. Additional sightings of the Indian myna have been made in other areas of the Bundaberg region including Avoca, Fairymead, on Seaview Road in Bargara and around Wallaville.
Making a positive identification
The introduced Indian myna should not be confused with the noisy miner (Manorina melanocephala), which is a native Australian honey eater and not a pest in Australia. The noisy miner is mostly grey.
The Indian myna is brown with a black head and is an average size of 24cm. It has a yellow bill, legs and bare eye skin. In flight it shows large white wing patches. The myna is a member of the starling family and is also known as the Common Myna or Indian myna. The breeding season runs from October through to March.
The bird call of the Indian myna is regarded as unpleasant with a collection of growls and other harsh notes. The noise from large groups of Indian myna's can be deafening. You can hear an mp3 version of their call on the Birds in Backyards website.
Indian myna bird traps
Council has implemented a control program to reduce Indian myna bird numbers using specially made traps. Council has a number of traps available for loan to any member of the community who is interested in becoming involved in the programme.
Bounty program
To further enhance Council's existing program which has seen a significant reduction in myna numbers, Bundaberg Regional Council has a $5 bounty paid for every Indian myna which is trapped alive and in good condition. Contact Council land protection officers to advise of trapped birds or to loan traps.