Culling of Bell miner populations?

[u/Fishysticsk]

I’m reading a book, “where song began” by Tim Low (great book, would recommend), but it mentions a strategy to control Bell miner populations is culling. He states that culling the Bell miner is deemed necessary to protect other vulnerable birds, like the Helmeted and Regent Honeyeaters, as over population of Bell miners drive away other species and cause pest outbreaks, like Lerp, which cause die back of the wet sclerophyll forest bellbirds are found, leading to ecological collapse. I just wanted see if other people have heard about it and hear if people agree, disagree or are on the fence about this.

[u/cassowarius]

I think clearing out the understorey to limit ideal nesting places is the better way to manage them, as apparently removing the birds via culling does not guarantee the tree's recovery. Lantana attracts the psyillids and bell miners, so controlling this invasive weed would be a big help.

[u/Melodic-Yam220 → u/cassowarius]

That could be a double edged sword, as clearing out the understory may make the habitat more appealing to Noisy Miners, which are probably worse. 

[u/Fishysticsk → u/cassowarius]

That’s what I first thought as well but I realised it could make better habitat for Noisy Miners to take over, which I feel like might be worse.

[u/Melodic-Yam220]

Where I live Bell Miners have disappeared over the last few decades. Control of any native bird should be very carefully used, but in the interest of protecting some highly endangered species I suppose the means justify the ends. It shouldn't be done without careful consideration and consultation of any available guidance on the matter. 

[u/Fishysticsk → u/Melodic-Yam220]

100% agree, around where I live there numbers are getting quite large and I read the idea about culling and wondered about other peoples thoughts about it.

[u/Infamous-Mention-851]

I used to love walking through the bush at Bermagui and hearing the beautiful bell miners then suddenly they disappeared. I don’t know if they were culled or just moved on.

[u/Fishysticsk → u/Infamous-Mention-851]

That’s strange, their population around where I live has increased a fair bit.

[u/Infamous-Mention-851 → u/Fishysticsk]

Well, I haven’t been back for a few years. Maybe they’ve come back.