DENSITY AND NEST-SITE SELECTION OF INVASIVE MYNAS AND STARLINGS IN URBAN AND SUB-URBAN AREAS IN WESTERN SARAWAK, MALAYSIA

Siti Azyyati Nuraini, Mohamed Azizi and Mohamad Fizl Sidq, Ramji and Ng, Wen Teng and Nurul Ashikeen, Ab Razak and Hilda Jelembai, Neilson Ilan and Neilson, Ilan and Mohd Azlan, Jayasilan (2023) DENSITY AND NEST-SITE SELECTION OF INVASIVE MYNAS AND STARLINGS IN URBAN AND SUB-URBAN AREAS IN WESTERN SARAWAK, MALAYSIA. Journal of Sustainability Science and Management, 18 (4). pp. 191-201. ISSN 2672-7226

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Abstract

Urban pest bird species, such as the Asian Glossy Starling, Javan Myna, and Common Myna have been a persistent menace to urban properties. This study compares the population densities of each species within urban and sub-urban areas between Kuching and Kota Samarahan. It was found that Javan Myna and Common Myna populations are concentrated in Pending with population densities of 12.9 ind/ha and 13.3 ind/ha, respectively. The Asian Glossy Starling was found to occupy heavily populated areas in Waterfront and the Universiti Malaysia Sarawak campus, with a population density of 15.0 ind/ha at both sites. We also studied the nesting density and habitat requirements of these species. The highest record of nesting density for the Common Myna (0.8 nests/ha) and Javan Myna (0.7 nests/ha) is in Pending, while the Asian Glossy Starling (2.6 nests/ha) is in Waterfront. The following microhabitat variables influenced the birds’ nest site selection: i) nest distance from garbage bins; ii) nest distance from shrubs and grass; and iii) nest distance from trees. Additionally, the data indicated that the birds had a strong preference for nesting in artificial structures. The Common Myna (25%) chose to nest inside air vents, whereas the Javan Myna (29.63%) and Asian Glossy Starling (51.95%) preferred to nest in holes and cavities.

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