Pacific Southwest

Title: Changes in bird abundance following Common Myna control on a New Zealand island

Author: Tindall, S.D., C.J. Ralph, and M.N. Clout

Date: 2007

Source: Pacific Conservation Biology 13(3): 202-212

Description: We censused landbird populations on a small island during a year of intense trapping of the Common Myna Acridotheres tristis. We successfully removed mynas on Moturoa Island, Bay of Islands, with populations on the island decreasing in most areas, while holding steady on other, nearby islands where no trapping was conducted. the populations of many other bird species increased coincidently with the removal of mynas. This was most notable in the Tui Prostemadera novaeseelandias, Grey Warbler Geyrgone igata, and Black bird Turdus merula. Of 60 species-rout comparisons, we found that 23 (38%) increased, 33 (55%) had no change, and only four (7%) decreased. The relative role of rats Rattus spp. and succession is also discussed. The historical decline of many species in the North island of New Zealand may have been related to the concomitant increase of the myna, and control of this species may be warranted in some cases, especially where restoration of the native fauna is the objective.

Keywords: Invasive species, Common Myna, New Zealand, Island, population census

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Citation

Tindall, S.D., C.J. Ralph, and M.N. Clout  2007.  Changes in bird abundance following Common Myna control on a New Zealand island.   Pacific Conservation Biology 13(3): 202-212.