Feedback Received on Nuisances Caused by Crows and Pigeons and Effectiveness of Measures Taken
Ministry of National DevelopmentSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns the inquiry by Mr Liang Eng Hwa regarding trends in bird nuisance feedback and the effectiveness of current population management measures. Minister for National Development Desmond Lee noted that pigeon-related feedback remains constant while crow-related feedback has increased moderately. NParks utilizes a science-based approach involving habitat modification, such as tree pruning and netting, alongside humane bird trapping and population control. Food source reduction is addressed through proper waste management, public education, and enforcement against littering and illegal bird-feeding. These measures have effectively mitigated resident disturbances, with NParks continuing to enhance its strategies through inter-agency collaboration.
Transcript
64 Mr Liang Eng Hwa asked the Minister for National Development (a) whether there has been an increasing number of feedback received on nuisances caused by the growing number of crows and pigeons in recent years; and (b) whether an update can be provided on the effectiveness of the current measures in reducing the nuisances caused to residents.
Mr Desmond Lee: The number of pigeon-related feedback received by NParks has remained constant, while the number of crow-related feedback cases has increased moderately in recent years.
NParks adopts a community and science-based approach to manage the population of birds in Singapore, comprising measures such as habitat modification, food source reduction, and population control.
At HDB housing estates, NParks works with Town Councils (TCs) to carry out habitat modification, such as tree pruning, installing netting on HDB flats, as well as replacing certain tree species to discourage roosting. NParks also works with stakeholders such as animal management companies and TCs to trap pest birds such as crows and pigeons in a safe and humane manner, to manage their populations. In addition, NParks carries out studies to understand the ecology of birds, such as their roosting patterns and movements, to support its bird management strategies.
To reduce the availability of food sources, NParks works closely with SFA, NEA and TCs to encourage proper food waste management at food establishments around HDB housing estates, and to enforce against littering and illegal bird-feeding. NParks also partners agencies and Town Councils to educate the community on proper refuse management. These measures have been effective in mitigating the disturbances caused to residents.
NParks will continue to work closely with agencies to enhance its bird management strategies to reduce bird-related disamenities, such as noise disturbances caused to residents.