Invasive Bird Control

Invasive bird species in Australia cause significant damage to agriculture, property, and native ecosystems

Invasive bird species in Australia cause significant damage to agriculture, property, and native ecosystems. These birds, often introduced species, compete with native wildlife for resources and transmit diseases. Economic losses from bird damage to crops are substantial, with estimates reaching $300 million annually.

Methods of Control

Traping

Shooting with PCP Rifles Thermal / Night vision

Indian Myna

Common Starling

Feral Pigeon

Economic & Enviromental impacts

Economic Impacts

Crop Damage:

Over 60 bird species are known to damage horticultural crops like fruit, vegetables, and grains.
Financial Losses:

Pest birds cost horticultural industries over $300 million each year, with specific figures varying by region and crop type.
Reduced Yields:

Damage to crops reduces the quantity and quality of produce, impacting farmers' profits.

Environmental Impacts:

Competition with Native Species:
Invasive birds like starlings and common mynas compete with native birds for food and nesting sites, potentially leading to declines in native populations.
Ecosystem Disruption:
Altered food webs and nesting patterns can disrupt the natural balance of ecosystems.
Disease Transmission:
Some invasive bird species carry diseases like salmonella and cryptococcosis, which can be transmitted to humans and other animals.

Indian Myna & Common Starling

Feral Pigeon

Feral pigeons, descendants of domestic homing pigeons introduced from Europe, are considered an invasive pest in Australia. They thrive in urban environments, competing with native bird species for resources and causing damage to buildings with their acidic droppings.

Economic impacts

Feral pigeons are not native to Australia; they were introduced by European settlers.
They can breed year-round, leading to large populations that dominate urban areas.
Their acidic droppings can corrode and damage buildings, particularly older structures.

Enviromental impacts

Their numbers and scavenging habits can displace native bird species by outcompeting them for food and nesting sites.
They can carry diseases and parasites, potentially posing health risks.

Transmission of diseases such as histoplasmosis, cryptococcosis, and

psittacosis (ornithosis).