Canberra Ornithologists Group Submission
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Canberra Ornithologists Group PO Box 301 CIVIC SQUARE ACT 2608 ABN 72 534 628 789 Senior Manager Natural Environment & Resource Management Environment & Sustainable Development Directorate GPO Box 158, Canberra, ACT 2601 Email: [email protected] COG wishes to make a submission regarding the ‘Draft ACT Pest Animal Management Strategy 2011-21’, with respect to introduced/exotic birds. We note that the Common (Indian) Myna (Sturnus tristis) and the Common Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) have been included in the Draft, but this fails to mention the Spotted Dove (Streptopelia chinensis). COG would also recommend the inclusion in the Strategy of stronger actions to control numbers of the Rock Dove (Columba livia), such as use of appropriate poisons on roosting platforms. Spotted Dove The Spotted Dove, otherwise known as the Spotted Turtle-dove, is a native of eastern, sub- tropical Asia. It is well recognised as a very invasive species, especially within urban environments following introductions of birds or accidental releases. For example, in cities like Melbourne, it has become one of the most common birds around the built up area and in suburban gardens. Indeed, this species has established in many towns and cities around Australia. In Alice Springs in the 1990s, 10 birds were released from a backyard aviary, and now there is a population of around 8000 in the town. Spotted Doves are a relatively recent arrival to the ACT, but data supplied by COG to the ACT Government demonstrates clearly that numbers are increasing at an exponential rate. However, the numbers are still very low overall and the species has not exploded to the point where eradication is problematic, as has occurred in Canberra with the Common (Indian) Myna. COG believes there is a good opportunity to attempt the removal of the species from the local environment. At present numbers are quite low but increasing, and now is the time to apply a suitable management strategy to ensure that this species does not become an established breeding component of the local avifauna. Community actions such as identifying nests and destroying them could be part of a strategy. Although threats from the Spotted Dove to native avifauna are not known at this stage, there is every reason to believe that this highly adapted and aggressive species will out-compete other (native) species that nest in similar habitats and utilize similar food resources. The species is capable of breeding all year round if conditions are suitable. Impacts are likely to involve competition with native species for both nesting and food resources, and being a seed eater may well contribute to the spread of weed species. The birds are known to feed on the seeds of weeds. As well as seeds and grains, they forage for scraps around urban environments, in a similar way to the Common (Indian) Myna and Rock Dove. It is not known whether Spotted Doves are a resource for diseases. Rock Dove Consideration should be given to more active control of the introduced Rock Dove, whose numbers appear to be increasing significantly due to plentiful food resources and the provision of suitable man-made roost and nesting sites. Yours sincerely Chris Davey President 13 September 2011 2 Attachment – suggested additions to chart in Strategy (Appendix 1) Spotted Dove Impact Management Current management Outlook options/issues & monitoring practices Potential to compete Good prospect of No organised control Develop suitable with native species for control if actions program in place. management strategy, food resources and taken while in consultation with nesting areas population is at very COG can provide community groups low level. some data on like COG/CIMAG. May spread weeds numbers/locations (seed eater known to Birds have become This could include eat weed seeds) established in community Queanbeyan, so cross awareness/reporting Potential resource for border approach campaign and disease not known needed. destruction of nests. Rock Dove (additional to points listed in Strategy) Impact Management Current management Outlook options/issues & monitoring practices Potential flying Laying poison on Consider poisoning hazard to motorists structures/platforms at trial at suitable roost where large numbers key roost sites may be sites, such as roost on underpass a control option. underpasses where structures, eg large numbers of birds Tuggeranong roost. Parkway, Hindmarsh Drive 3 .