Observed Effects on Crow Population following Shooting Operations
Ministry of National DevelopmentSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns inquiries by Ms Lee Hui Ying and Mr Liang Eng Hwa regarding the effectiveness of crow shooting operations and their impact on local biodiversity. Minister Chee Hong Tat stated that the National Parks Board resumed shooting in March 2026 across nine prioritized districts based on public feedback and safety feasibility. He explained that NParks is currently assessing the outcomes as part of a holistic strategy that includes crow trapping, habitat modification, nest removal, and food management. The Minister highlighted that inter-agency collaborations have been strengthened and that maximum penalties for wildlife feeding offences were increased starting 1 July 2026. These integrated measures are designed to reduce the crow population and address public feedback in residential areas while monitoring the long-term effects on the ecosystem.
Transcript
121 Ms Lee Hui Ying asked the Minister for National Development (a) what has been the reduction in the crow population and incidents of attacks in Yishun following the crow shooting operations conducted in the past three months; and (b) whether there have been any observed effects on the local ecosystem or biodiversity as a result of these operations.
122 Mr Liang Eng Hwa asked the Minister for National Development (a) what are the preliminary results of the recent crow shooting operations in reducing the crow population so far; (b) whether the operations will be extended to more areas; and (c) what other habitat modification and dispersal measures will be employed to reduce the crow population in densely populated residential areas.
Mr Chee Hong Tat: The National Parks Board (NParks) resumed crow shooting operations in March 2026 across nine districts, including Yishun. These sites were prioritised based on several factors, including the volume and severity of public feedback on crow-related issues, as well as the technical feasibility of conducting shooting operations safely at each location.
As crow shooting operations have only recently resumed, NParks is assessing the outcomes and any potential impacts on the local ecosystem and biodiversity.
Crow shooting is one component of NParks' holistic pest bird management approach. It complements existing measures, such as population control through crow trapping, habitat modification and nest removal, as well as collaboration with agencies to strengthen food management practices. To further deter illegal wildlife feeding, the maximum penalties for wildlife feeding offences under section 5A(3) of the Wildlife Act were increased with effect from 1 July 2026.