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Italy Moves to Remove About 30 Common Mynas Before They Spread

Common myna perched in profile
Conservation · Management

Researchers in southern Italy are removing common mynas (Acridotheres tristis) while the introduced population is still small enough for complete eradication to remain possible. An IUCN Save Our Species update published on 10 August 2026 highlighted the MYNA-OUT project, which targets two breeding populations in Campania estimated at about 30 birds in total.

The project is coordinated by the Italian National Research Council’s Institute for Research on Terrestrial Ecosystems (CNR-IRET) and focuses mainly on the provinces of Caserta and Salerno. Teams are systematically surveying areas where mynas have been reported, mapping the birds and breeding sites, and using selective traps to remove individuals. Nests may also be removed during the breeding season when necessary to prevent further reproduction. CNR-IRET states that the work will follow national regulations and animal-welfare guidelines.

Genetic analyses will be used to investigate where the Italian birds came from and how they were introduced. Possible routes include the pet trade and escapes from captivity. The project is also strengthening early detection by linking researchers, local authorities, residents and birdwatchers so that new sightings can be reported and checked.

Common mynas are native to South Asia but have established introduced populations in many other regions. The Italian project notes that elsewhere they can compete aggressively with native birds for nesting sites, prey on eggs and chicks, and potentially spread pathogens. MYNA-OUT is therefore designed as an early eradication effort, before the species becomes much more numerous or widespread in Italy.

The stated goal is not simply to reduce the number of mynas. If the removals succeed, teams will continue monitoring the affected areas to confirm that the species is absent. Until that follow-up is complete, the work remains an eradication attempt rather than a completed eradication.

Sources and image credit

  1. Conservationists in Europe are racing to stop the next invasive species before it spreadsDated IUCN Save Our Species update published 10 August 2026, confirming that researchers in southern Italy were removing common mynas while populations remained small enough for eradication.
  2. MYNA-OUTOfficial CNR-IRET project description. Provides the focus on two breeding populations in Campania, the estimate of around 30 birds, planned trapping, nest removal, genetic analysis, reporting network, welfare safeguards and intended eradication outcome.
  3. MYNA-OUT (Italy)Official IUCN project page for the 2026–2027 rapid-response grant, outlining objectives, activities and institutional responsibility.

Image: Shino jacob koottanad / Wikimedia Commons — common myna (Acridotheres tristis) photographed in Kerala, India; representative image for the MYNA-OUT story, not one of the Italian birds · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Source

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