Context Calls for expanding community-driven efforts to reduce introduced populations of common mynas (Acridotheres tristis) continue. Although the detrimental effects of common mynas on avian community composition and richness are well established, eradication has proven possible for island populations, and information on the efficacy of population suppression efforts of mainland urban populations is sparse. Aims We assess changes in avifauna associated with community-based control of urban common mynas. Methods We conducted replicate transect counts of birds in Melbourne, Australia, within an area where common mynas were suppressed and an adjacent area where no suppression occurred, before and during the suppression. Key results Population suppression reduced relative abundance of common mynas but did not alter overall species richness or diversity, including native and introduced taxa. However, on a species-specific level, suppression was associated with both increases and declines in large and small species, whether native or non-native. The largest positive response coincident with common myna suppression was an increase in the aggressive noisy miner (Manorina melanocephala) which, like common myna, detrimentally affects other native birds. Conclusions Community-based trapping reduced common myna relative abundance, but did not increase overall terrestrial bird richness or diversity; instead, responses were species-specific, including an increase in the native and aggressive noisy miner. Implications Complex interaction webs likely occur in urban birds, and possible functional redundancy of common mynas may influence outcomes of suppression, creating a new set of “winners” and “losers”.

The Common Myna (Acridotheres tristis) is a globally recognized invasive alien species with documented ecological and social impacts. This study employed a citizen science approach to investigate the distribution and perceived ecological and economic effects of the Common Myna in Jordan. An online questionnaire yielded 201 valid responses from all 12 governorates, of which only 50.2% of respondents who recognized the species were included in the subsequent data analysis. Reports from 113 localities indicated that the species is concentrated in urbanized areas of northwestern Jordan. Increased sightings since 2019 suggest population growth and continued expansion across human-modified landscapes. Increased occurrences near protected and in agricultural areas raise ecological concerns. Respondents identified competition with native birds as the main impact, while effects on crops and human health (e.g., noise) were perceived as minor. Urban expansion and food waste were viewed as key drivers of the spread. Beyond data collection, the survey also functioned as an awareness tool, highlighting the dual value of citizen science for both monitoring and education. Overall, the study highlights the importance of implementing coordinated management measures that integrate regulation, waste management, and public awareness.

We conducted transect surveys in urban Pretoria, South Africa, to document interspecific interactions involving the invasive Common Myna Acridotheres tristis and coexisting species. During 90 standardised transect surveys across three suburban sites from April to August 2022 (outside the main breeding season for many bird species), we recorded 36 interspecific interactions between Common Mynas and other birds. Common Mynas were observed chasing or being aggressive towards other birds such as sparrows (Passer diffusus, P. domesticus) and doves (Streptopelia capicola, Spilopelia senegalensis). Of these encounters, 26 (72%, 95% CI: 56–84%) involved aggression, with Common Mynas initiating 86% of aggressive incidents. In most aggressive incidents, the other bird fled; only larger species (Cape Starlings Lamprotornis nitens) successfully retaliated. Such aggression may facilitate the displacement of native and non-native species from feeding sites or nesting areas. These findings provide evidence for interference competition by Common Mynas in South African urban environments and highlight the need for targeted management strategies to protect native bird communities.

Human perceptions of urban wildlife can shape conservation priorities and public support for biodiversity initiatives, however research on human-bird relationships remains spatially biased towards the Global North. Here we assessed the perceptions of 36 urban bird species across four South African urban contexts using a mixed-methods approach. Survey respondents (n = 1,977) rated species likeability on a 5-point Likert scale and provided open-ended explanations for their ratings. Quantitatively, South African urban birds were generally well-liked, with notable variation among species: the Malachite Kingfisher ( Corythornis cristatus , mean ± SE = 4.91 ± 0.02) and Orange-breasted Sunbird ( Anthobaphes violacea , 4.91 ± 0.02) scored highest, and the Common Myna ( Acridotheres tristis , 2.50 ± 0.03) scored lowest. To analyse the approximately 71,000 open-ended responses, we employed ChatGPT, a generative AI large language model, to identify eight themes underlying species appeal. The highest-rated species were primarily valued for aesthetic appeal and emotional connections, while the lowest-rated species were associated with aggressive behaviours and negative ecological impacts. Factor analysis revealed three perceptual clusters, demonstrating that some species evoke multidimensional responses whilst others are viewed through a single dominant lens. Notably, aesthetic patterns did not universally predict appeal and many highly rated raptor species were valued for emotional connections rather than physical traits. Additionally, negative perceptions did not apply uniformly to all non-native or problematic species, with some receiving moderately positive responses despite ecological concerns. These findings highlight the complexity of human-bird relationships in urban contexts and demonstrate that large language models can enable qualitative analysis at large scales. By offering an African perspective, this study contributes to a more inclusive understanding of how urban residents perceive and value birds.

ABSTRACTResearchers must navigate several trade‐offs when deciding which population sequencing method to use. The decision between reduced representation approaches and whole genome sequencing (WGS) impacts marker density, sequencing depth and costs per sample, which will in turn affect the power to accurately characterise certain genomic features, such as regions of the genome exhibiting signals of selection. To investigate the effect of sequencing method on the detection of putatively adaptive regions, we compared selection scan analyses of a set of restriction site‐associated DNA sequencing (RADseq) datasets for the common myna (Acridotheres tristis) with a WGS dataset with fewer individuals. Although selection scan statistics were found to be correlated between datasets, no common outliers were found when using outlier thresholds typically applied in such studies. We compared allele frequencies and genotypes across datasets and found that discordances were due to missing markers, different individuals sampled or erroneous genotyping. Most importantly, two regions with strong signals of selection identified through WGS data were missed in the lower density dataset, and population‐specific allelic dropout, which can result from restriction enzyme cut site loss in RADseq, created false signals of selection in these datasets. Our results highlight the advantages of WGS over RADseq when used for selection scan analyses, especially for highly structured populations such as those observed in many invasive or endangered species.

Aims: This study examined the occurrence and habitat association of the invasive Indian Common Myna (Acridotheres tristis) in Gokwe Town, Midlands Province, Zimbabwe. Study Design: Systematic transect surveys were conducted across major urban land-use zones. Place and Duration of Study: Study done in Gokwe Town (11, 200km2) in the Midlands Province of Zimbabwe with a human population of 33,075. The surveys were conducted from June to September 2025. Methodology: Systematic transect surveys were conducted along transects measuring 900 m in length and 50 m in width across major land-use zones (high-density, medium-density, low-density residential area, the Central Business District and along the major highway corridor) and all the observations were recorded using Kobo Collect Toolbox with GPS integration. Nonparametric test were conducted in IBM SPSS Statistics 26.0 because the sample size was small and data did not conform to normal distribution. Kernel Density Estimation (KDE) heatmap visualisation was done in QGIS Version 3.42.1. Results: A total of 81 observations were made and pairs of individuals (67.9%) dominated sightings across all times of day. The distribution of A. tristis was significantly associated with land-use type (χ² = 259.571, P = 0.01), with the species most frequently observed in open grounds, shopping areas, factories, and service businesses zones characterized by high human activity. Roosting-site selection showed no significant association with canopy cover type, despite a tendency toward dense canopy areas. Limitations of the Study: The study was limited to a single small urban town and did not consider long term seasonal variation in abundance and habitat use behaviour. Conclusion: Overall, the study demonstrates A. tristis strong adaptability to human-modified environments and highlights critical spatial and behavioral patterns relevant for invasive species management in urban centres as well as implications for protected areas adjacent to urban areas.

Invasive bird species pose a significant threat to biodiversity and ecosystems worldwide. In Iraq, non-native avifaunal species are increasing, leading to various environmental challenges. This study aims to evaluate the risk of invasiveness and potential impacts of four non-native, extant bird species on Iraq's biodiversity under both current and predicted climate change conditions. Surveys were conducted in November 2023 and 2024 on four non-native bird species present in local animal markets throughout Iraq. The study sites included the provinces of Baghdad, Basra, and Erbil, which harbour commercial centres and the largest local animal markets in the country for trading non-native species. In this study, the target species for screening were selected after an extensive literature search and review of non-native bird species in Iraq. Using the Terrestrial Animal Species Invasiveness Screening Kit (TAS-ISK), this study evaluated the potential risk of invasiveness in Iraq of four of these non-native bird species: bank myna Acridotheres ginginianus Latham, 1790, common myna Acridotheres tristis (Linnaeus, 1766), Namaqua dove Oena capensis (Linnaeus, 1766), and rose-ringed parakeet Psittacula krameri (Scopoli, 1769). The findings revealed that for commercial, environmental, and species or population nuisance traits, A. tristis and P. krameri pose a high risk of invasiveness, whereas A. ginginianus and O. capensis pose a medium risk. The present results highlight the need to include these species in decision-making and management programmes to mitigate their impacts on Iraq's biodiversity.

Whether cuckoos randomly choose host nests in which to lay their eggs, or strategically choose host nests containing eggs that best match their own in appearance, is not well understood. In this study, combining avian visual modelling and a controlled field experiment, we objectively studied the ‘egg‐matching hypothesis’ using the brood parasitic Asian Koel Eudynamys scolopaceus and one of its main hosts in Bangladesh, the Common Myna Acridotheres tristis . Common Mynas rarely reject foreign eggs, so we expected that Asian Koels would not differentiate between egg appearances. To directly assess nest selection behaviour, we installed 100 paired nestboxes – each pair comprising one nest with restricted koel access and another accessible nest. We demonstrate that Asian Koels do not differentiate between active Common Myna nests or dummy nests with Common Quail Coturnix coturnix eggs or dummy nests without quail eggs during egg‐laying. Parasitism was also significantly less frequent (2.1%, n = 141) in boxes with smaller openings that were less accessible to koels, whereas 27.8% ( n = 18) of myna nests in nestboxes with large openings were parasitized. Koels parasitized 23.4% ( n = 141) of dummy nests with eggs in nestboxes with large openings. None of the dummy nests in boxes with small openings were parasitized. Koels laid eggs in active myna nests or dummy nests only when at least one active myna clutch was present. This lack of discrimination between these different experimental groups suggests that Asian Koels were not matching host eggs in this experiment. In addition, Common Myna eggs from parasitized nests did not appear more like Asian Koel eggs compared with Common Myna eggs from unparasitized nests. Together, these findings suggest that, rather than attempting to lay eggs in nests that best match their own eggs in appearance, Asian Koels lay eggs that poorly match in colour to the local hosts' eggs.

This paper examines the complex relationships between humans and invasive species through an ethnographic study of the Common Myna ( Acridotheres tristis ) in Israel. Drawing on ethnographic fieldwork at the Israel Center for Citizen Science, interviews with birdwatchers, and analysis of public discourse, I explore how the myna has become embedded in Israeli society through three distinct but interrelated representations: as an invasive threat, as a socio-cultural Other, and as a reflection of Israeli identity itself. The study reveals how invasion narratives emerge through complex interactions between scientific classification, cultural context, and the species’ own agency, demonstrating that the binary between ‘native’ and ‘invasive’ species operates on a spectrum shaped by multiple factors including temporality, behavior, and cultural reception. While scholarship has often positioned invasion biology either as objective science or colonial discourse, this study argues for approaches that can hold both the material reality of ecological threats and their social construction in view simultaneously. Through examining how different social actors engage with and make sense of the myna's presence, this study contributes to our understanding of how societies grapple with environmental change and the increasingly complex relationships between human and non-human actors in the Anthropocene era.

The bi‐directional effects of stress on the gut microbiota and the microbiota's mediation of the stress response are an important facet of the brain–gut axis. Stressors can alter hormones present in the body, particularly circulating glucocorticoids, which in turn can affect the composition and diversity of the gut microbiota. Likewise, bacterial community members have been linked to improved or worsened responses to stress. In this study, we manipulated common myna birds in two ways – through sleep deprivation and by increasing glucocorticoids – to determine how their gut microbiota changed in composition and diversity. We also determined whether the gut community was correlated with activity level, a metric for stress response, or with measured faecal glucocorticoid level, and whether birds exhibiting the highest apparent stress response shared any bacterial community members. We found that alpha diversity in the gut significantly decreased after both sleep deprivation and corticosterone ingestion. We also found significant shifts in beta diversity following both treatments, though with substantial variation in the progression of the bacterial community among individuals. Despite these significant shifts in the gut, we found only a marginally significant correlation between gut community and activity level, and between gut community and faecal corticosterone levels. This work provides new evidence for the longitudinal effect of stress on the gut microbiota and identifies bacterial genera that were significantly elevated or depressed following exposure to stressors.

Short- and long-term captivity impacts on bird memory, corticosterone level, and oxidative stress genes: Perspectives on deep learning analysis.

Vocal communication serves several critical functions, such as species recognition, mate attraction and resource defence. However, environmental and physiological factors like urbanization, noise pollution and stress can negatively affect vocal performance, especially in birds. While several studies have demonstrated the effects of various disturbances on bird vocalizations, very few have tested how lack of sleep affects birdsong. To investigate the importance of sleep for adult birds’ vocalizations, we analysed the vocal performance of captive common mynahs (Acridotheres tristis) after three sleep disturbance experiments: the entire night, first 6 h of the night or last 6 h of the night of sleep disturbance. Sleep disturbances altered song performance, specifically by reducing song output and complexity, but did not affect call output. Sleep disturbances also affected call spectral parameters. These effects varied according to the degree of disturbance, strongest in a full night of sleep disturbance, followed by the first 6 h of the night and last 6 h of the night, respectively. These results indicate that even short-term sleep disturbance can affect adult birds’ vocalizations’ frequency and structure. These changes could alter birds’ communication, negatively impacting social interactions and the acquisition of resources and mates, potentially affecting fitness.

Despite concerns about invasive Common Mynas (Acridotheres tristis), few studies have experimentally demonstrated their impact on native birds. Using a Before-After-Control-Impact (BACI) design with 142 nest boxes, we assessed how Myna presence affected House Sparrows (Passer domesticus) and Great Tits (Parus major) before (2009-2010) and after (2020-2021) their arrival in 2015. Half the boxes had large entrances accessible to all three species; half had small entrances accessible only to Great Tits. In a 2022 field experiment, we manipulated nest box entrances and used cameras to study Myna predation and nest usurpation. Following the establishment of Myna, House Sparrow breeding declined by 68.1%. Great Tits increased use of small entrance boxes by 59.9% and decreased use of large entrance boxes by 45.4%. Although overall Great Tit breeding increased, fledging success declined in large entrance boxes, but not small entrance ones. In the 2022 experiment, 46% (n = 26) of Great Tit nests were predated; Common Mynas were responsible for 50% of these cases and subsequently bred in the usurped nests. This study experimentally demonstrates that House Sparrow breeding numbers decrease and that Great Tits change their nesting behavior after the appearance of the Common Myna. Additionally, this research found that Common Mynas impact native species by predating and usurping nests. Installing small-entrance boxes can help manage Great Tit populations. Further research should explore nest box designs for House Sparrows and their impacts on other cavity-nesting and non-cavity-nesting bird species.

Indian biodiversity includes large number of species of invertebrates, 2546 species of fishes, 204 species of amphibians, 446 species of reptiles, 1228 species of birds and over 500 different species of mammals. Avifaunal study was carried out in along the Western Yamuna Canal Region from Yamuna Nagar to Karnal during January 2022 to December 2022. Different Species of birds were recorded on vegetation along roadside, electrical wires and the periphery of the canal during the study period. The present studies reveal that 49 species of birds which are commonly witnessed in rural areas belonging to 29 different families. Anatidae was the most dominant family containing 9 birds species followed by Columbidae, Corvidae and Charadriidae families having 3 birds species each and family Alcedinidae, Motacillidae, Phasianidae, Cuculidae, Sturnidae and Rallidae families containing 2 birds species each and remaining families one bird species each of the total number of bird species observed. The most commonly found birds are: House Sparrow, Cattle Egret, Jungle Babbler, Asian Koel, Common Myna, Blue Rock Pigeon, Yellow-footed Green Pigeon, Spotted Dove, Black Drongo, Indian Treepie, Red Vented Bulbul and White Wagtail. The various aspects of Birds of Western Yamuna Canal Region (WYC) from Yamuna Nagar to Karnal would be discussed.

Israel is home to diverse and unique biodiversity, but its conservation faces significant challenges. The country’s small size, rapid population growth, and extensive development—such as land conversion for agriculture and infrastructure—negatively impact ecosystems and create substantial edge effects on natural habitats. Additionally, Israel is highly vulnerable to invasions by introduced species due to extensive imports and insufficient regulation. Environmental and conservation issues often hold low priority in public and policy spheres, while market forces favor development at the expense of the environment. Furthermore, due to its location in the Eastern Mediterranean, climate change in Israel is occurring at a faster rate than in most other regions of the world. To address these challenges and assess the state of Israel's biodiversity, a long-term national monitoring program was established: Hamaarag – Israel’s National Ecosystem Assessment Program, founded in 2006. The program aims to provide science-based assessments of Israel's nature and enable effective management of its open landscapes and biodiversity. The core activities of Hamaarag include a national terrestrial monitoring program, which has been running since 2012. The program consists of approximately 950 sampling plots, distributed across nine ecological monitoring units representing different habitats in Israel. These units monitor a wide range of taxa, including plants, arthropods, reptiles, birds, and mammals. The program primarily addresses temporal changes in species populations and the effects of human settlements, agriculture, and other anthropogenic factors on ecological systems and the local flora and fauna. The findings from Hamaarag’s monitoring efforts are published in the State of Nature reports, which include both the Trends and Threats Volume and the Biodiversity Volume. These reports integrate data from the terrestrial monitoring program, wildlife surveys conducted by the Israel Nature and Parks Authority (INPA), and a citizen science butterfly monitoring program. The findings from the first decade of monitoring show clear impacts of human activities on biodiversity. Vegetation – The findings, based on 38 years of remote sensing data, indicate a 36% increase in vegetation density (NDVI index) in the Mediterranean region. This increase suggests a recovery of woody vegetation, likely due to reduced wood-cutting and grazing pressures. However, overcrowding of trees, shrubs, and vines may reduce biodiversity in woodlands by competing for resources, especially light. Butterflies – Data collected over a 13-year period as part of the National Butterfly Monitoring Program revealed a 34% decrease in butterfly abundance and a 30-day delay in the peak abundance. This decline in butterfly populations mirrors the global decrease in insect populations, which is likely driven by intensive anthropogenic activity. The delay in peak abundance suggests a disruption to butterfly life cycles due to climate change. Reptiles – Data from a seven-year monitoring period revealed a 58% decline in reptile abundance in the Western Negev dunes and a 48% decline in the Northern Negev Loess Plains. These declines are likely due to long-term warming and drying trends in these desert regions, which have altered habitat conditions. Birds – Data collected over a nine-year period showed a 17% decline in the total abundance of common breeding birds in Israel. This decline occurred at a rate four times faster than that observed in Europe. Species affected by this decline were primarily human-associated and Mediterranean steppe species. The abundance of the invasive Common Myna increased by 585%, with studies suggesting that predation and competitive displacement by the Myna threaten native bird populations, especially as it spreads from human settlements into open landscapes. Mammals – Increases were observed in populations of several mammal species, including the Indian Crested Porcupine, Grey Wolf, Golden Jackal, Red Fox. Most of these species are human adapted, thriving in areas with abundant human resources, such as food and water. These trends reflect the influence of human activity on mammal populations, with resource availability playing a significant role in population growth. Surveys conducted by the INPA and the Hamaarag monitoring program also show an increase in ungulate populations, including Nubian Ibex, Israeli Gazelle, Dorcas Gazelle, and Arabian Gazelle. This increase suggests success in large-scale conservation efforts, likely due to the reduction of poaching and improved management practices in certain areas, including sanitation measures in protected zones. The findings of these long-term monitoring efforts underscore the importance of directed attention, resources, and human capital in achieving significant biodiversity protection. Most of the threats to Israel’s biodiversity are not inevitable but are instead the result of policies and planning decisions. This is a positive outcome, as the future of Israel’s unique biodiversity depends on the ability of decision-makers to implement changes that prioritize conservation.

Avian pox, a prevalent viral disease among domestic and wild birds, is caused by different species of avipoxviruses belonging to the family Poxviridae. Different avipoxviruses demonstrated a certain degree of host specificity. In the present study, a total of 105 tissue samples were collected from various avian species that exhibited cutaneous or mucosal proliferative and/or necrotic lesions, which bore a resemblance to pox lesions. The molecular detection of poxviruses was accomplished through the implementation of a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay that targeted a highly conserved 4b gene. The samples that were positive for the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) were also used for the isolation of the virus by means of chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) inoculation of embryonated chicken eggs. A pox-like lesion was observed in five avian species, and avipoxvirus was subsequently detected in 19 samples of backyard chickens (42.2%), 24 turkey samples (70.5%), a flock of commercial layer chickens, a flock of commercial breeder turkeys, four canaries (23.5%), two pigeons, and two common mynahs (Acridotheres tristis). The propagation of all viruses was conducted on chicken embryo cells (CAM), and the formation of pocks was evident, with the exception of two isolates derived from backyard chickens. A thorough investigation into the genetic relationships among various poxviruses has been conducted through the analysis of partial sequencing of the 4b gene. The study's findings have revealed a notable similarity among poxviruses derived from chickens and turkeys, which have been classified as subclade A1. The present study identified a single instance of pigeon pox in subclade A2. A close proximity of all passerine isolates, including three canarypox viruses and two novel mynahpox viruses from common mynah, was observed in subclade B2. Notwithstanding the long-standing tradition of vaccination, avian pox has been identified in two commercial flocks in disparate provinces, encompassing a layer and a turkey breeder. The present study yielded results indicating the presence of at least three distinct clades of avipoxviruses, which have been identified as the causative agents of avian pox in Galliformes, Columbiformes, and Passeriformes within the Iranian avian population. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the inaugural report of molecular typing of mynahpox viruses in Iran.

Human-wildlife conflicts pose a growing threat to biodiversity, particularly when the targeted species plays an ecological keystone role. Mauritius has repeatedly mass-culled an endemic and threatened flying fox species (the Mauritian flying fox; Pteropus niger) failing the intended objectives of crop protection and elevating the species' extinction risks. In this context, the ecology of this species should be better understood to develop non-lethal management strategies. Here we investigated foraging patterns of vertebrate frugivores over 24 hour cycles in lychee orchards and backyard gardens. We assessed all agents of damage (mainly flying fox, alien bird, alien mammal) and the temporal variation of flying fox and bird foraging (take and amount eaten relative to fruit ripeness) on lychee trees. The most important frugivores foraging on lychees were flying foxes (78.3%) and birds (16.1%), namely ring-necked parakeets (Alexandrinus krameri), red-whiskered bulbuls (Pycnonotus jocosus), village weavers (Ploceus cucullatus) and common mynas (Acridotheres tristis) while damage by alien mammals was negligible (<1%). Flying foxes consumed more fruits in the early night (59%) compared to the late night and this was statistically significant in one orchard and backyards. However, the difference in damage was on average one to three fruits per tree per night. Bird damage at both orchards was highest during the first half of the day (64%). Flying foxes ate fewer fruits towards the end of the fruiting season while birds followed the opposite trend. As fruit ripeness increased from unripe to fully ripe, flying foxes ate 39-42% more lychee pulp per fruit at the two orchards. Parakeets ate 7% more fruit pulp with increasing ripeness at one orchard only. Deliberate disturbances involving smoke, noise or light to deter flying foxes were common in orchards. The weak difference in the extent of flying fox damage to fruits between early and late night suggested at best minor advantages of concentrating deliberate disturbances in early night, and that netting would be a better strategy as it would also protect against diurnal frugivores. Additionally, trees should be protected from the sixth week after fruit set as most damage occurred when fruits were unripe. Such an improved timing of crop protection should play an important role in reducing fruit losses and thereby alleviate the human-wildlife conflict around the flying fox's diet.

Introduced species may pose one of the biggest threats to biodiversity conservation. Today, monitoring their status, distribution and abundance constitutes an important part of ecological and conservation studies throughout the world. In the Afrotropical Region (sub-Saharan Africa), avian introductions have attracted the attention of many researchers, but there is a lack of a comprehensive review of this subject on a continental scale. The presented paper constitutes an attempt to overview the status, distribution, threats and control measures of birds introduced to sub-Saharan Africa in the last 200 years. This review lists 146 bird species introduced to sub-Saharan Africa. Only 49 (33.6%) of them have developed viable populations and only 7 (4.8%) became invasive species, namely Passer domesticus, Sturnus vulgaris, Acridotheres tristis, Corvus splendens, Columba livia var. domestica, Psittacula krameri and Pycnonotus jocosus. Data on distribution of most introduced species are provided, together with information on the place and year of their first introductions. For Passer domesticus and Columba livia var. domestica, data on population densities are also provided from several southern African towns. The most speciose groups of introduced species were parrots (Psittaciformes), comprising 33.6% (including Psittacidae: 13.7%; and Psittaculidae: 15.1%); Anatidae: 12.3%; Phasianidae: 11.0%; and Passeriformes: 30.1%. Most avian introductions in sub-Saharan Africa took place in Southern Africa (mainly the Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg areas) and in Madagascar and the surrounding islands (mostly Mauritius, Reunion and Seychelles). Most introduced species which have developed viable populations originate from the Afrotropical, Oriental and Palearctic regions (altogether 78%), with only 2% from the New World. The proportions among the introduced species which have not established viable populations are quite different: 29% from the New World and only 60% from the Afrotropical, Oriental and Palearctic regions. The main factors affecting successful avian introductions and introduction pathways have been identified. A review of the control measures undertaken in sub-Saharan Africa (mainly in small oceanic islands) is outlined for the following species: Passer domesticus, Acridotheres tristis, Corvus splendens, Pycnonotus jocosus, Foudia madagascariensis, Psittacula krameri and Agapornis roseicollis.

The Auckland Domain is the city’s oldest park and contains over 70 ha of contiguous, mature urban forest. Five-minute bird counts were made across one year within the domain forest in 2019 and 2020 and compared with counts conducted in 1987 and 1988, using the same methods and at the same survey sites, to investigate changes in the structure of the urban bird community. The abundance and species richness of native and introduced birds increased between the count years and there was structural change within the community driven by increases in the abundance of forest-adapted endemic species, tūī Prosthemadera novaeseelandiae, grey warbler Gerygone igata, and kererū Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae, and declines in generalist native species, silvereye Zosterops lateralis and fantail Rhipidura fuliginosa. Tūī showed the most profound increase in abundance between count years, reflecting regional conservation management of mainland and island forest habitats that benefit this highly mobile species. Increased abundance of eastern rosella Platycercus eximius and common myna Acridotheres tristis also altered community structure between count years, indicative of ongoing colonization by these exotic species in the Auckland region since their introduction to the North Island. The fact that both these species compete with native taxa for nest cavities within forests is of concern. Our results reinforce the need to manage and protect maturing urban forests to enhance native bird populations. Such actions will also support the recovery of native bird populations at a landscape scale.

Community roosting is the aggregation of more than two species of birds in the same tree for nocturnal roosting or nighttime residence. Mixed species community roosting mostly formed during the non-breeding season of birds. We recorded eighteen communal roosting sites of birds in the suburban region of Salem city, and the most dominant communal roosting birds are the large-billed crows (Corvus macrorhynchos) and house crows (Corvus splendens), along with other birds. The communal roosting site varies from a single large tree, like Ficus religiosa to a group of five to six trees in the case of Tamarindus indica, Azadirachta indica and Peltophorum pterocarpum. We recorded eighteen community roosting sites of birds in Salem and 26 species of trees were used for the community roosting. The roosting birds were dominated by large-billed crows and house crows. A positive correlation was found between the canopy cover and the number of birds roosting at the community roosting sites (r = 0.991, P &lt; 0.01). Further, there was a significant variation found between the time spent by large-billed crows and house crows within the communal roosts (t (46) = 4.997, P &lt; 0.01). Other birds that share the communal roosts with crows were common myna, red-vented bulbul and coppersmith barbet. The communal roosting sites are helpful for protection from nocturnal predators, and they also act as sites for information transfer.