Update on Efforts to Curb Crow Population at Heartland Town Centres
Ministry of National DevelopmentSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns MP Liang Eng Hwa’s inquiry about progress in managing crow populations at heartland town centres and research into more effective control measures. Minister for National Development Desmond Lee responded that the National Parks Board (NParks) employs a science-based approach involving habitat modification, trapping, nest removal, and food source reduction. NParks collaborates with Town Councils and other agencies on surveillance, enforcement against bird-feeding, and improving estate cleanliness to address crow concentrations. Minister for National Development Desmond Lee highlighted ongoing research into crow ecology and trapping efficacy to enhance management strategies and dispersal methods. These measures have helped address the presence of crows, but public cooperation in avoiding bird-feeding remains vital for effective population control.
Transcript
31 Mr Liang Eng Hwa asked the Minister for National Development (a) whether there is noticeable progress in curbing the population of crows at heartland town centres; and (b) whether there is research conducted on developing more effective measures to reduce the infestation of crows in Singapore.
Mr Desmond Lee: Over the past few years, the National Parks Board (NParks) has stepped up its measures to manage Singapore's crow population, including habitat modification, food source reduction and population control.
For example, NParks has ramped up its islandwide efforts to trap and remove crows and to regularly survey and remove crow nests in trees. NParks also advises Town Councils (TCs) to remove crow nests, where needed.
In heartland town centres, bird-feeding and human-generated food sources are key drivers of crow concentration and population growth. To address these, NParks works with the Singapore Food Agency, National Environment Agency and TCs to raise public awareness on the negative impacts of bird-feeding. NParks also conducts surveillance and enforcement against such acts and partners agencies and TCs to improve estate cleanliness and encourage proper food waste management by residents and food establishments. These measures have helped to address the presence of crows in affected areas.
As part of its science- and community-based approach to managing the crow population, NParks will continue to undertake research to improve its crow management measures, such as through studies on crow ecology, trapping methods and dispersal strategies. For example, NParks recently completed a study on ways to enhance crow trapping efficacy. All of us can also continue to play our part, by not feeding crows and keeping our environment clean.