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Archives for March 2017

Whitsundays Witnessing Avian Invasion

Jaime · Mar 22, 2017 · Leave a Comment

IndianMyna_LipKeeFlickrCreativeCommons
Photo Credit: IndianMyna_LipKeeFlickr CreativeCommons

 

Sightings of Indian Mynas (Acridotheres tristis) have been reported in Cannonvale, Bredalbane, Blacks Beach, and at other sites around Mackay and the Pioneer Valley. Large flocks of more than 20 birds have also been reported flying over Proserpine.

In 2000, the Invasive Species Specialist Group and International Union of Conservation in Nature (IUCN) named Indian Mynas as one of the world’s worst invasive species (Lowe et al. 2000). The species has established in many cities around Australia, including just North of the Whitsundays in Townsville. Indian Myna populations have the capacity to increase rapidly, laying between two and seven eggs per clutch. One breeding pair can explode to a population of 13,000 birds within 5 years.

Sometimes confused with native species, including the mostly grey Noisy Myna, the Indian Myna can be distinguished by it’s distinct chocolate brown body, black head and neck, yellow eye patches, yellow feet and legs. A distinct white patch is also exposed on each wing when the bird is in flight. Indian Mynas are not fussy eaters and will opportunistically forage for food, competing with native species for fruit, flower nectar, insects and seeds.

There are concerns about the impact these birds may have on native species in the Mackay Whitsunday region. While research shows that competition between Indian mynas and native birds in urban areas remains contested (Lowe et al. 2011 and Grarock et al. 2012), a study by Grarock (et al. 2012) observed that Indian mynas do have a significant negative impact on native species nesting in hollows and cavities. Grarock’s research also demonstrated that the invaders threaten bird species smaller is size than the myna.

The arrival of Indian mynas to the region is also bad news for some mammal species. Aggressive nesting Indian Mynas have been known to evict nesting possums and gliders from tree hollows.

Dale Mengel, a resident of Proserpine, who reported a sighting of more than 20 birds flying over Proserpine in February, has again witnessed more than 30 birds in Proserpine in March. Mr Mengel shared concerns that this indicated the birds are beginning to colonise the area and hoped that something could be done to prevent their impact on native species.

 

Tilapia found in Bowen

diana · Mar 21, 2017 · Leave a Comment

Native fish in Mullers Lagoon are vulnerable to the noxious Tilapia species. The pest was identified in the Bowen waterway by our Catchment Solutions water sampling team.

Tilapia displace and prey on local species and have been observed to spread disease in waterways where they have been previously found.

The Whitsunday Regional Council has plans to remove the pests, ensuring the eggs are destroyed and cannot repopulate.

It is a timely reminder on why it’s so important to monitor and address pest fish in our waterways. Increasing awareness of the threat Tilapia pose to our native species and ecosystems is on the council’s agenda however you can help too. Share this photo on social media with your fishing fan friends to do your bit.

Canefarmers Reef Trust 3

diana · Mar 21, 2017 · Leave a Comment

More than 30 farmers in the region took up the offer of $6,000 in agronomic support and advice in the Reef Trust 3 programme.

One-on-one consultations help farmers to develop management plans for nutrients and herbicides, specific to their property.

Current participant responses have been positive so far, saying another set of eyes over the input figures can help to work out if you are spending more than you need to get effective results.

The additional $1,500 worth of upgrades to application equipment or activities are a bonus to support implementing the suggested upgrades in the plan.

For more information visit www.reefcatchments .com.au/land/care/

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