The Myna Invasion: a special presentation by Ecologist Stefan Hattingh

Sep 8
2 min read

On Saturday 13th of September renowned ecologist Stefan Hattingh is coming to Bribie Island with an important presentation — The Myna Invasion: A Major Threat to Our Native Species — to shine a spotlight on one of Australia’s most damaging pest birds and what we as a community can do about it.

Why Mynas are a Problem

The Common (or Indian) Myna (Acridotheres tristis) is not just another backyard bird. Listed by the IUCN as one of the “100 of the World’s Worst Invasive Alien Species”, Mynas are notorious for their destructive behaviour:

They take over nesting hollows and kill the chicks of native birds.
They spread mites, pathogens, and diseases that threaten both wildlife and human health.
They breed rapidly, with several clutches a year, and have exploded in numbers along Australia’s east coast.

Originally introduced to Victoria in the 1860s to control insects in market gardens, Mynas quickly thrived in suburban and agricultural environments. Today they dominate across Queensland, NSW, and Victoria — including here in Moreton Bay — where they compete aggressively with parrots, possums, gliders, and other native wildlife for precious nesting hollows.

“On and around Bribie Island, hollow-nesting native wildlife like our iconic rainbow bee-eaters, pardalotes, lorikeets and pale-headed rosellas– even kookaburras and possums – are being pushed out by large numbers of Mynas. We need a community-wide response to stop this major threat to our biodiversity. Janet May, Myna Project Coordinator

Groups of mynas will harass and out-compete kookaburras for nesting hollows

What’s at Stake

Left unchecked, Mynas are an existential threat to native species. They don’t just displace wildlife — they will also spread invasive weeds, form large, noisy dominating roosts in public spaces, as they have in the Woorim Beach carpark; create health risks when nesting in roofs, carrying mites that can trigger asthma and allergies.

Learn How You Can Help

The good news is that coordinated local action works. It’s been proven that humane trapping, habitat protection, and smart backyard choices can reduce Myna numbers and give native wildlife breathing space. Simple steps like blocking roof entry points, avoiding food scraps, and planting native shrubs all make a difference.

This weekend’s event will give you the tools and knowledge to help: