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Mark,
I agree with your comments that something should be
done about the Spotted Dove before they become any more established than they
already are in the ACT. But what can be done?
The Department responsible has already been
approached by COG with data supplied from the GBS indicating the birds' increase
in the ACT but their reply is
1) Demonstrate to us the problem
2) Little we can do about the problem unless NSW
comes on side (referring to the Spotted Dove in Queanbeyan).
From past experiences the Department tells me that
NSW will not come on side with these types of problems. Queanbeyan is a
long way from Sydney. It did not happen with Brumby issues in Namadge nor
with the Common Myna.
The other option we have is to set up another
Common Myna type group in the ACT. This of course is possible but will it
take pressure away from CIMAG and we end up with two groups neither of which
have the impact they should have? I believe it will and given the good
work being one by CIMAG the last thing we want is a reduction in trapping
pressure. In fact, the fewer the birds the greater is the trapping
pressure required.
One question I have and that is can Mynas and
Turtle Doves be captured in the same trap and with the same type of bait.
I suspect not.
I am afraid there is little that I can see we can
do at this stage. I believe the only thing we can do is to demonstrate
with solid evidence that the Spotted Dove is having an adverse impact on native
species. How hard would that be?
Chris
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