Comprehensive investigation of the invasive common myna (Acridotheres tristis); insights on expanding distribution and a proposed management approach

Biological invasions are among the global environmental issues. Invasive alien species (IAS) are a group of non-native organisms that are established outside their natural past or present distribution, and their introduction in the new invaded areas comes with numerous negative ecological consequences such as competition with native species, degradation of habitats and introduction of parasites and diseases. Controlling IAS and preventing their further spread is a major national aim of environmental protection in Oman. Recently, the Environment Authority has launched the National Campaign to Combat Invasive Birds including the common myna (Acridotheres tristis). Common myna is among the world?s most 100 damaging invasive species according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Nevertheless, little is known about biology and potential consequences of common myna on biotic (the native flora and fauna) and the abiotic components at the local level. Therefore, a comprehensive investigation and involvement of a multidisciplinary research team is crucial to understand the processes and current patterns of invasion and spread of this species and hence the success of combating campaign. The research project proposes to tackle invasion of common myna using several approaches. This includes field surveying of its current habitats and analyzing its behavior, particularly seasonal competition with other bird species, and performing global information system (GIS)-assisted modelling of various environmental attributes expected to drive its expanding distribution or invasion to new areas in Oman. Moreover, we are proposing comprehensive assessment of the common myna? diet taxonomic richness, and microbial pathogens using multi-marker DNA metabarcoding, and meta-transcriptomic, respectively. In addition, In vitro characterization of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) will be carried out to identify potential correlations between pathogens and AMPs differential gene expression at specific tissue of the common myna, as a model organism has been observed to feed on contaminated food in the urban areas. The research also includes developing an experimental pilot study on reproductive biology and genetic manipulation to achieve the goal of producing infertile myna birds if the allocated budget allows conducting this purely experimental approach. This would be a potential management tool. Generally, the research project is anticipated to improve our understating of biology as well as invasion pathway of one of the worst IAS worldwide, determine contribution of climatic and environmental factors towards new range of distribution and future colonization, and detangle the biological and ecological factors promoting invasion and establishment of the common myna in the country. Overall, the project will contribute towards development of a management approach and success of the National Campaign to Combat Invasive birds.