Dylan Bettencourt
The Kruger National Park, known for its many bird species, has been invaded by droves of the Indian myna bird, and they’re driving out other species.
For years, Birdwatchers have flocked to the park with their binoculars and cameras to catch a glimpse of its wonderful array of birds.
But that could all be under threat.
In the last three years park rangers have noticed a dramatic increase in the number of mynas attempting to find a home in the park.
The myna is famous for its mimicking skills and for the first time in the 120 years that the park has existed, the bird is attempting to become the first alien species to make its home in the Kruger.
Scientists have been surprised by the dramatic increase in sightings of the bird, which usually has a strong preference for urban areas but is now adapting to life in the park.
“Numbers are building up quickly but hopefully there is still time to prevent them,” said Llewellyn Foxcroft, an invasive ecology scientist at the park.
“It seems as if the myna populations that have built up around the park are going to keep moving in. And we have seen them displace other birds from nesting holes,” Foxcroft said.
Birding enthusiasts are being asked to report any sighting of the medium-sized bird that is made noticeable by its yellow beak and eye patch look.
The birds have also been seen stealing material from buffalo weaver nests and have a reputation for being aggressive towards other birds.
Only one other alien bird species has been recorded in the Kruger National Park and that was the house sparrow.
The Indian mynas have been seen terrorising the green woodhoopoes with nests being abandoned leading to the death of young birds.
The Kruger have responded by closing off nest sites in the camps to keep the bird out.
“I think there is still time where we can do something but it is probably going to be an ongoing problem. Hopefully, we can keep the numbers down,” Foxcroft said.
Image source: @AClassBirdControl
