Qld: Nth Qld federal MP calls on states to declare myna a pest

AAP General News (Australia)
08-04-2004
Qld: Nth Qld federal MP calls on states to declare myna a pest

CAIRNS, Aug 4 AAP - Introduced Indian myna birds should be declared pests by state
and territory governments, a north Queensland federal MP told parliament today.

Member for Leichhardt Warren Entsch said far north Queensland was under attack from
a spreading plague of imported mynas which were listed in the top 100 chart of the most
invasive species in the world.

"Not only are the Indian Mynas capable of wiping out most of our native bird species,
they are a major threat - through parasites and disease - to many of our native mammal
species which nest in tree hollows.

"Can we imagine a country without parrots, without sugar and feathertail gliders? Unless
something is done this is the future we face," the Liberal MP said.

The state and territory governments should declare the Common or Indian Myna a noxious
pest but they were reluctant to do so, he said.

"It is not hard to see why. The cost would be substantial.

"Unfortunately, I am getting the message that there are some in the Queensland state
government who believe there isn't a known or proven method of efficient eradication."

Last week in Cairns Mr Entsch launched a myna minimisation program using a trap designed
by Dr Chris Tidemann of the Australian National University.

He said he would seek federal government funding to continue the research by Dr Tidemann
for the development of a trap capable of capturing an entire roost of the birds.

The birds, originally introduced to control insect pests, are established in many parts
of eastern Australia and continue to spread.

AAP ldj/sc/drp/bwl

KEYWORD: MYNAS

2004 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.