Singapore to expand crow shooting operations to more districts

Singapore's National Parks Board (NParks) is extending its crow shooting operations to additional districts, including Bukit Panjang, Marine Parade, and Tanah Merah. This move follows the culling of over 500 crows since the program began in March.

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More than 500 crows have been culled through this method.

The decision to expand is driven by several factors, such as the significant presence of crows in these new areas, the suitability of the sites for conducting shooting safely, and the birds' aversion to traps. The operations were initially launched in nine districts due to an increase in public feedback and reported attacks by crows.

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The shooters have to adhere to strict shooting protocols as part of enhanced safety controls.

NParks emphasizes that strict safety protocols are followed during these operations, with shooters adhering to specific guidelines to ensure safety. The agency also notes the adaptability and detectability of crows, making them challenging to manage.

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Site conditions also vary from location to location, which requires for the shooters to adapt accordingly while maintaining full compliance with the safety controls.

Crow shooting was previously halted in 2020 but has been reintroduced as a complementary measure to NParks' broader strategy. This strategy includes nest removal, ecological studies, reducing food sources, modifying habitats, and enforcing regulations against illegal bird feeding. House crows are identified as an invasive non-native species that threaten Singapore's native biodiversity and can cause noise, soiling, and hygiene problems.

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Furthermore, crows can detect and recognise danger, making them difficult to predict due to their adaptability.