The introduction and distribution history of the common myna (Acridotheres tristis) in New Zealand

ABSTRACT

Throughout history, human movements have been a mechanism by which species are introduced to new environments. Although these introductions may sometimes be unintended, they have often occurred through organised effort and led to successful establishment outside a species’ native range. The common myna (Acridotheres tristis) is an invasive bird species that has successfully established globally, including on New Zealand’s North Island. To better understand the establishment of this invasive species, historical records of the myna’s introduction and subsequent distribution were compiled and analysed. We determine that mynas were introduced into New Zealand repeatedly between the 1860s and 1880s, originating from stock acclimatised in Australia with strong links to Melbourne. Additionally, we track the changing distribution of the myna across New Zealand, allowing us to create a detailed timeline. Our findings are discussed in the context of the motivations behind myna introduction, and public response to their introduction and spread.

KEYWORDS:

• Introduction
• distribution
• birds
• myna
• New Zealand
• acclimatisation
• history
• invasive species

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by a Marsden Grant from the Royal Society Te Apārangi [grant number UOA1911] and a Faculty of Arts 2020/2021 Summer Research Scholarship from The University of Auckland [grant number ART012].