The plight of the Indian Mynah - our illegal immigrant

By Norman Mann

On many occasions I have been asked, in my capacity of a qualified game guide, about the Indian Mynah, who, according to most people have become the local 'pest' in the bird world. I find this quite fascinating, as I have witnessed many different aspects of 'employment' which this particular bird species has adopted in order to balance out nature. Let me explain.

The Indian Mynah is possibly one of the most persecuted bird species - even by bird lovers. They have been shot at and nests destroyed, mainly because they have chased away all indigenous garden birds. However, there is another side to this story and quite amazing it is!

Man - having interfered with the environment over many years with pesticides, insecticides and dips - has eradicated indigenous birds that fulfil a specific need. This creates a vacuum for other species of birds, whether indigenous or exotic, to fill that gap. And that's exactly what our Indian Mynahs have done.

For example, in many areas the Red Billed Oxpecker and Yellow Billed Oxpecker were widely distributed and their main job was to clean the ticks and fleas off cattle. Once livestock farmers begun the dipping process to protect their animals against insects, they inadvertently eradicated the Oxbill Peckers from most areas.

Having done numerous walks in this particular area, where Forum Homini is situated, I have recently noticed Indian Mynahs actually riding on the back of Impalas and cleaning the parasites off the animals!

I have also witnessed Indian Mynahs following animals in the grass to catch insects that the Impalas disturb whilst walking through the veld. This is a perfect example of the environment trying to bring itself back into balance and it just so happens that the Indian Mynahs fill this vacuum.

So... my take on the Indian Mynahs is that we should treat this occurence as a waterbed in management and always keep front of mind that for every action there will be an opposite and equal reaction somewhere else in the environment.

Reader Survey

June in Detail

Wednesday: 6 June 2007
Time: 19:00
Dinner: R300pp (including wine option)

Michel Laroche is the new owner of L'Avenir - French for "the future". Michel makes Chardonnay on three continents: Europe (where his family have been making Chablis for five generations); South America, where he calls the Casablanca Valley home; and now Africa, on the Simonsberg. Although he uses the

Fruit is the future. "You can never have too much fruit in a wine" he insists. "Fruit is something you lose everyday. The challenge is finesse. Sumo-style wines are not my model" Michel adds.

Come and hear more about the futuristic features of these wines.

Spoil your father at Forum Homini's Scottish whisky evening

A Delectable 6 course menu will be whisky matched by our guest connoisseur, Neil Hendricks. You can expect to sample brands such as Famous Grouse, The Macallan, Highland Park and Bowmore Darkest served with honey ice cubes, to name but a few. Chef Patron, Philippe and Neil will take those who wish to raise a glass to the fathers in their families on a journey of traditional Scottish fare and drink - conjuring up images of heathered fields and fireside memories.

Friday: 15 June 2007
Time: 19:00
Dinner & Tasting: R350pp or R425pp with a Romeo & Juliet Cigar

French Gastronomic dinner:
DORDOGNE

Wednesday: 20 June 2007
Time: 19:00
Dinner: R220 + R120pp (wine option)

This world renowned area of South-West France forms part of one of the most beautiful and popular regions of France. It is home to many interesting prehistoric caves, archaeological sites, habitation areas and museums, but also supplies almost half of France's fine produce: wines, cèpes, truffles, duck and goose.

In the Dordogne gastronomy takes on another meaning. This area is famous for its traditional cuisine and is well known in France as the homeland of foie-gras and truffles to the "Demoiselle" (the whole bird grilled over a wood fire), but these are only a part of its culinary specialities.

Spoil Packages

Over the top Package:

Enjoy a day of relaxation for body, mind & soul. Start your day with relaxation Tai Chi followed by a 5 course Gourmet Brunch complimented with a glass of Moreson Cap Classique. Continue the spoil session with Sound Therapy conducted by Classical Guitarist Paul Wellock, Massage Session (head, neck & back) followed by a cooking class led by Chef Patron Philippe "A perfect Brunch".

R800 per person

This is a perfect group package (minimum 6 - 20 people)

Engagement Package:

Need to spoil your partner and pop the big question. Ran out of ideas? We've put together a memorable package that will guarantee a YES. Exclusivity of a private dining area, bunch of red roses, 6 course gourmet dinner with wine teasers, use of your own waiter & a bottle of Laurent Perrier Rose champagne on ice.

R1800 per couple * extras not included

Also Remember

Saturday brunch

After a well deserved sleep-in on a Saturday morning you can treat yourself to a laidback 5 course brunch and a glass of sparkling wine, served from 10:00 - 14:30 every Saturday. Cost R150.00 per person.

Sunday Jazz

Lunch: Enjoy live Jazz music with a gastronomic 6 course Sunday lunch, served from 12:00pm - 16:00pm. Cost R245.00 per person.

July at a Glance

Wednesday 4 July 2007

Wednesday: 18 July 2007

Friday: 27 July 2007

We had a wonderful May with our special Mother and Daughter Spoil day and look forward to a memorable night with the Dads at the Scottish Whisky evening.

Hominid Regards,