Abstract
During Japan’s post-war economic boom from the 1960s through the 1980s, the country experienced an explosive increase in pet ownership, which led to an increase in the number of exotic bird species establishing wild populations. In particular, myna species (Acridotheres) have been sighted throughout the country, and the author has recorded breeding of the Crested Myna A. cristatellus, Javan Myna A. javanicus, Common Myna A. tristis, Bank myna A. ginginianus, and Great Myna A. grandis. As of 2023, only the Crested Myna occurs in Kanagawa Prefecture and western Japan, including Hyogo and Kagawa Prefectures, and is expanding its distribution. This paper discusses the factors that led to its invasion and establishment based on past observation records, with reference to the various problems it causes. It also highlights the necessity of monitoring its population status and the possibility of recognizing it as a new wild species in the urban ecosystems.
