This document summarizes the objectives and outputs of a working group studying the impacts of noisy miners on avian biodiversity in eastern Australia. The group aimed to construct conceptual models of why noisy miners spread virally and their cascading effects on ecosystems. By assembling and analyzing existing data through on-site surveys and GIS, the group sought to develop management options to improve bird diversity. So far, the group has completed analyses, with a manuscript in final stages. They are also preparing a decision tree for noisy miner management options and a full manuscript. The working group is described as cohesive with a great mix of experts, clear objectives, consistent data collection, and strong leadership.

1. Avifaunal Disarray from a Single
Despotic Species
Ralph Mac Nally
@ University of Canberra

2. God’s own group

3. Objectives
 Construct conceptual models for:
 Why do noisy miners go viral?
 Cascading effects on ecosystems
 Synthesize and analyze existing data from
eastern Australia
 On-site surveys linked with GIS data sets
 Develop management options to improve
avian biodiversity

4. First output

5. First output

6. Second output
 Data assembled
 Analyses completed
 Manuscript in final stages of preparation

7. Third output
 Interventions for noisy neighbours:
Management options for the overabundant
noisy miner in temperate eucalypt woodland
 Decision tree for management options built
 Full manuscript nearing completion

8. Overview of working group’s workings
 Very cohesive group
 Great mix of ecologists and management
practitioners
 Clearly defined and agreed objectives
 Data consistently collected by multiple
workers
 2nd Australian bird atlas useful
 Strong leadership–Martine Maron (UQ)
 Outstanding analyst–Jim Thomson (UC)