Aliens Newsletter - ISSG

irds are in the segment between 83, 3% and 100%
one achieves the eradication aim for a short or medi-
Figure 1.
Recommendations
1. Prevention of operator working risks and emotional
overwhelming. Operators need to be wary of the potential
of injury when handling traps and birds; therefore
persons involved in traps and myna handling must
be protected by tetanus immunisation to prevent infection
of scratches produced by wire o birds. Wildlife biologists,
pest managers, and wildlife health professionals
are often responsible for euthanatizing animals that
are in excessive number, or that threaten biodiversity
or human safety. People who must deal with these animals,
especially under public pressure to save the animals
rather than destroy them, can experience extreme
distress and anxiety (AVMA 2007).
2. Handling and welfare protocols for captive birds.
When handling stressed animals unaccustomed to
human contact, calming may be accomplished by
minimizing visual, auditory, and tactile stimulation.
Conditions found in the field, although more challenging
than those that are controlled, do not in any
way reduce or minimize the ethical obligation of the
responsible individual to reduce pain and distress to
the greatest extent possible during the taking of an
animal’s life (see Indian Myna Control Project; Indian
Myna Handbook. Available on line at:
http://indianmyna.org//index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=50&Itemid=108).
um term. If coverage is less than 80%, another campaign
will be necessary in the future.
3. Avoiding non target species. The bait should be
selected specifically to avoid attracting native or local
species from the near area. Remove the baits rest
in the evenings and put it fresh again the next mornings.
Cover the traps that stay in the environment
during the night with a system to avoid trapping any
non target specie. Leave some fresh water in the
trap, just in case any animal gets inevitable trapped
during the night.
Conclusions
1. Eradication of myna populations from islands is
possible and cost-efficient (1-2 campaigns) when
populations are small (< 50 exx)
2. The use of decoy or funnel traps is the most effective
mean of catching mynas in a variety of islands
habitats independent from the breeding season.
It can lead to a relevant reduction in numbers
of mynas and it is a suitable method for control programs.
3. In long term control programs on islands, a combination
of different methods such as trapping, poisoning
and shooting will be needed. A coordination
protocol must be in place to avoid disturbances between
methods (Saavedra 2009). The involvement
46 29/2010