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Who are we?

The Canberra Indian Myna Action Group Inc (CIMAG) is a community group formed in April 2006 to reduce the impact of this exotic invader on our native birds and animals.

Indian Myna numbers have exploded across Canberra since they were deliberately introduced, and are a serious environmental threat to native wildlife. Indian Mynas:

are one of the most invasive animal species in the world
take over nesting hollows, evicting birds and small mammals, and prey on nestlings
pose some small human health risk, and
the nesting material they bring into roof cavities and other spaces in buildings can be a fire hazard.

Click here for more information about the Indian Myna, or here for Myna identification information.

Our Aim

CIMAG has the aim of protecting our native birds and mammals from the threat posed by the Indian Myna (or Common Myna) (Acridotheres Tristis) in the Canberra region.

How we work

The Group operates as a non-profit association of like-minded individuals who are interested in working, individually or collectively, in implementing an agreed Strategy to tackle the Indian Myna problem in Canberra and the surrounding region. The Group keeps informed of developments via an email network and has a managing Committee. We work in cooperation with our local animal welfare organisation.

Our Strategy

We have three elements in our Strategy:

increased public awareness that this bird is a serious environmental and health threat, not just a nuisance
public education aimed at limiting the spread of the species by reducing its feeding and breeding opportunities, and
a humane reduction program.

The Group recognizes that its endeavours are unlikely to totally eliminate Indian Mynas from the Canberra environment. However, with a concerted, coordinated and sustained effort, we believe a significant impact can be made on the Indian Myna population in the region, thereby helping to protect our native birds and small mammals.

To find out more about what we are doing and about the Canberra Indian Myna Action Group Inc contact Bill Handke (02 6231 7461 or by email handke@grapevine.net.au).

To join the Canberra Indian Myna Action Group Inc and to participate in its activities, fill out the application form and the forward it to the Secretary, at the address on the form

Further information on Indian (Common) Mynas is available from:

www.tams.act.gov.au/play/pcl/pestsandweeds/indianmynabirds (Environment ACT)

sres-associated.anu.edu.au/myna

CIMAG Committee

Bill Handke President
Ray Barge Vice President
Dan Buchler Treasurer
Bruce Lindenmayer Committee member
Greg Flowers Committee member
Ross Dalton Committee member
Jim Kennedy Committee member