A controversial new paper?
Robin Hide
Lowe, K. A., C. E. Taylor and R. E. Major (2011). “Do Common Mynas
significantly compete with native birds in urban environments?” Journal
of Ornithology 152(4): 909-921.
Keywords: Common Myna - Acridotheres tristis - Competition
- Aggression - Urban.
Abstract: In Australia, the introduced Common Myna (Acridotheres
tristis) is commonly believed to aggressively displace native
birds and outcompete them for food and nest resources. However, the
current paucity of scientific evidence makes it difficult to devise
appropriate management strategies for protection of urban bird
populations. This study investigates the way in which the Common
Myna uses the urban environment and interacts with other species
while foraging and nesting in Sydney, Australia. The bird community
varied between habitat types along an urbanisation gradient, and the
abundance of the Common Myna increased significantly with the degree
of habitat modification. Surveys of the frequency of interspecific
interactions revealed that the Common Myna did not initiate a
significantly greater number of aggressive encounters than did other
species. Focal observations of two potential native competitors
showed that despite foraging in close proximity, the Common Myna
rarely interfered with feeding activity. Assessment of natural tree
hollow occupancy found that Common Mynas used significantly fewer
tree hollows than did native species. Analysis of nest site
selection indicated that Common Mynas chose to nest in more highly
modified habitats, and in artificial structures rather than in
vegetation. These findings suggest that, in this study area, Common
Mynas have little competitive impact on resource use by native bird
species in the urban matrix. The logical conclusion of these results
is that the substantial efforts currently directed towards culling
of Common Mynas in heavily urbanised environments is misdirected,
and resources would be better directed to improvement of natural
habitat quality in these areas if the purpose of control is to
enhance urban bird diversity.
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