Aliens Newsletter - ISSG

Working strategy
The working strategy has been improved throughout
the years and it consists basically in the following
steps:
1) Previous evaluation of the situation
Internet is the first source to find new quotes on
common mynas in islands and other territories.
Once the presence of Acridotheres tristis free in that
environment is confirmed, the QRT gathers all the
information needed to plan a quick evaluation of the
situation and be able to develop a Project to control
or eradicate the myna population, depending on
their numbers, their pathway and the recourses
available in situ.
2) Proceedings proposal
If QRT deals with a population lower than 50 individuals,
the goal of the project is eradication. If the
population is around 1.000 birds, its objective is
control, but always having in mind the target to
achieve eradication, if funds and resources are available.
For bigger populations, see Conclusion nº 3.
The campaign with the proceedings proposed by the
QRT is forwarded to the relevant conservation authorities
with a budget requesting funds; all permits
and authorisations are obtained at the same time.
3) Design in situ
In order to design an adequate trapping procedure,
mynas are carefully studied within their boundaries
as well as in their sources of food and drink, roosting
and nesting sites, as well as possible entry pathways,
and last but not least, their relation with other
birds, humans and substructures. The election of
poison or trapping methods must be flexible. It is
very important to obtain the consent of the local societies
for the protection to animals on how the birds
will be handled. This is the moment to train local
personnel, should there be any. As it is legal to import
Acridotheres brought up in EU, to any of the
islands of the Spanish territory, there is always a
possibility to find free mynas after control or eradication
campaigns. Therefore, it is very important
to leave local personnel trained “in situ”, so that they
can act quickly upon possible fugitives.
4) Citizen awareness.
It is also important to contact local institutions where
one will work (local government, police, NGOs, pet
shops etc.) in order to inform them of the project
and let them sink in the message that the foreseen
intervention is for the protection of local biodiversity
through control of exotic invasive species. This
message, well presented, helps a lot with the work
to be done. In order to reach general public one has
to use communication media or distribute small onepage
leaflets in bars, vets, neighbour associations
and amongst workers of parks and gardens, etc.
5) Operational procedures
Trapping, shooting or poisoning of mynas starts. It
is very important in this phase, to work with great
discretion. One has to put traps, if possible, out of
the eyesight of people. Furthermore, traps should
be baited and emptied while there is still light, only
if the operator is able to get out of the free mynas’
view. Otherwise mynas will get trap shy.
6) Final report
This report makes a resume on all activities undertaken
and the final results. In cases of confirmed
eradication, it includes recommendations to avoid
the entry of new mynas into the island as well as a
basic alert system. If there remains a great deal of
free birds, or it is a long term control, this report includes
a procedure for the next stages and their follow-up.
Any other type of recommendation which
is considered as convenient will also be included.
42 29/2010