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Mitigation of common myna abundance in protected areas

Eli Finarov, Assaf Shwartz, Uri Roll, Shay Meiri

The common myna )Acridotheres tristis( is a highly successful invader in many countries globally. It is known as one of the worst invasive species in the world, with various evidences showing its’ adverse impacts on native species. Since the myna invaded Israel in 1997, it is growing in numbers and in distribution, with a recent penetration into natural and protected areas that poses a threat to native species.

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The main aim of the research was to test the feasibility and effectiveness of a promising control method that could mitigate the presence of mynas in protected areas, by examining the effect of trapping on myna abundance inside these areas. Additionally, the researchers examined how trapping affects mynas’ behavior inside protected areas by measuring flight initiation distances (FID), and whether mynas show preference for a certain habitat inside a protected area, using Ramat Hanadiv nature park as a case study. During two breeding seasons (2021-2022), myna presence and FIDs were recorded in three protected areas in Israel, before and after trapping experiments lasting approximately 45 days in each site. Trapping efforts used high trap density (10.16 traps/km2), achieved high specificity (95.3%) and resulted in 368 captured mynas across the three sites.

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Findings showed that trapping dramatically reduced myna abundance inside two protected areas (92.7% and 85.4% reduction in Ramat Hanadiv and Yarkon Sources National Park, respectively), with numbers staying significantly low even several months after trapping. An insignificant reduction found in the third site (Tel Afek National Park) may indicate that time-limited treatment may not be very effective for protected areas that are surrounded by urban environments with established myna populations. FIDs significantly increased after trapping in all sites, indicating trapping actions caused heightened vigilance that may lead to negative effects on individual fitness. In addition, significant differences in mynas’ habitat preference were found: mynas were more active in the buffer zone of Ramat Hanadiv than in the urban area adjacent to it and the highly modified recreation areas. This flags the problematicalness in management actions of a natural habitats to reduce the potential damage of fires to an adjacent settlement (i.e., grazing and mowing of dense vegetation that create open spaces), as these actions may encourage the penetration of invasive species into the natural area.

The empirical evidence found in current research imply that a relatively simple intervention in the form of cage trapping can dramatically reduce myna abundance for longer time than expected and can be used to manage myna populations in protected. In other words, it is possible to develop a management strategy to remove mynas from protected areas and thus mitigate their negative impacts. Further research is needed to understand the impact of myna mitigation on native communities to ensure the effectiveness of this method.

Of further interest...

Accessibility

Physically Disabled in the Gardens

Many trails traverse the Memorial Gardens. We recommend this route, but you
can choose to walk another route.

For further information >>

Sustainability

Establishment of the Partnership for Regional Sustainability

In 2015, Ramat Hanadiv established the Partnership for Regional Sustainability, aiming to combine forces for the quality of life in the region.

For further information >>

Dining Here

Dining-The Picnic Site

The picnic area is located near the secondary parking lot. You are welcome to spend time there before or after your tour of the Gardens.

For further information >>
Ramat Hanadiv Gardens, May 2018, Zichron Yaacov, Israel.

Establishment of the Partnership for Regional Sustainability

In 2015, Ramat Hanadiv established the Partnership for Regional Sustainability, aiming to combine forces for the quality of life in the region. Five neighbouring councils – Binyamina Givat-Ada Local Council, Zikhron Ya’akov, Hof Hacarmel Regional Council, Jisr A-Zarqa and Alona Regional Council – joined Ramat Hanadiv in order to work together on the challenges of preserving the unique texture of the region surrounding Hanadiv Valley and Taninim River. The point of reference of the partnership lies in two central understandings: the first, that quality of life and residents’ wellbeing are closely linked to the state of the environment in which we live, and the second, that sustainability issues are cross-regional and do not recognise municipal borders. Therefore, the partners committed to raising regional awareness and broadening their perspective from the local scale to the entire region.

The partners chose to focus on three core issues: striving for coexistence of nature, agriculture and humans, promoting sustainable regional transport, and developing sustainable regional economy.

Since its inception, the Partnership has gained a worthy place among both the region’s residents and decision makers. In January 2017, the heads of the five member councils of the Partnership for Regional Sustainability, the CEO of Ramat Hanadiv and 120 members of the Partnership’s leading forum, signed the Partnership Agreement, which defines the vision, aims and directions of action for the region in the coming years. By doing so, the signatories committed themselves to leading the region towards a future of quality of life and consideration for the values of environment and sustainability.

Of further interest...

Accessibility

Visually Impaired

Many trails traverse the Memorial Gardens. We recommend this route, but you can choose to walk another route

For further information >>

Sustainability

Sustainable Gardening

Sustainable gardening is defined as gardening that considers the needs of the current generation without harming the needs of future generations. It includes garden design that considers the existing elements on site – the landscape, soil, environment and vegetation suitable for the region

For further information >>

Dining Here

Dining-The Picnic Site

The picnic area is located near the secondary parking lot. You are welcome to spend time there before or after your tour of the Gardens.

For further information >>
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Mata'im Restaurant
Kiosk
The Picnic Site

“Green” Picnic Area

We offer you a shaded picnic area next to the secondary carpark of the gardens. You’re welcome to spend time there before or after your visit.

This area is located in a pine grove, giving you the opportunity to rest and have a picnic. For the convenience of visitors to the grove, there are picnic tables, water fountains, a dish-washing station and toilets.

We put a lot of effort into making your visit pleasant and ensuring you can have a quiet, relaxing time – without music, fire or smoke. Do not light bonfires or barbecues in this area.

You are welcome to bring a cool box with food, and enjoy the clean air and a pleasant, quiet stay in nature.

picnic areaee

We ask you to eat your picnic using reusable utensils that are beneficial to humans and the environment.

Are you interested in a nice set of reusable utensils for the entire family? You’re welcome to buy one in our InfoShop in the Visitors Pavilion.

The area is accessible to people with disabilities:

  • An accessible carpark adjacent to the picnic area
  • A standard access path with a slope below 8% leads from the accessible carpark to the picnic area
  • Accessible tables in the shade are located on a paved surface and standard manoeuvring area
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We maintain this area for your convenience and enjoyment!

Please be considerate of the other visitors and follow these rules:

  • The area is designed for visitors; do not hold functions, catered events or meetings
  • Please bring food that is ready to eat and do not light a barbecue or fire
  • This area is quiet and tranquil; do not play music or use megaphones, amplifiers etc.
  • The picnic area is part of the Nature Park, which is home to a diversity of plants and animals. Please look after the surrounding nature.

Thank you for your cooperation!

We wish you a safe, quiet, enjoyable stay.

Of further interest...

Accessibility

An accessible trail through the Nature Park

In the Nature Park at Ramat Hanadiv there are a number of spectacular hiking routes.

For further information >>

Sustainability

Establishment of the Partnership for Regional Sustainability

In 2015, Ramat Hanadiv established the Partnership for Regional Sustainability, aiming to combine forces for the quality of life in the region.

For further information >>

Dining Here

Dining

To complete your Ramat Hanadiv experience, you are cordially invited to enjoy the culinary pleasures of Mata’im, the cafe-restaurant on our premises.

For further information >>