House crow (Corvus splendens) was the first thing that came to my mind in regard to the invasive species in Singapore. Years ago, I remembered seeing a few carrying their rifles around in an attempt to shoot at the house crow, trying to get rid of it. I had always thought that they were being cruel to do so until I got to learn about the invasive species. This made me realize that many people especially children like me back then are not aware of the fact that those invasive species can cause harm on our local biodiversity and environment to a large extent such as resulting in the biodiversity loss.
The house crow is well known for messing up and rummaging through the garbage and scavenging cafes and food stands for food. House crow poses threat on Singapore’s native bird populations such as taking bird eggs and nestlings and even to the extent of attacking humans. It was reported that there was a suspicion that they may attack those with a bald patch on their head. I thought that was odd.
“Crows perching on the Singapore River Bridge”, Credit: Melvdesigns
Source: http://blog.nus.edu.sg/lsm2251student/2010/04/14/the-bully-in-singapore/
It was reported in 2003 that the invasive population of house crows in Singapore had increased at least 30-fold since 1985 and now numbers in excess of 130,000 birds! I found out that the house crows were not brought to Singapore accidentally nor by chance but were introduced for the purpose of trying to control the rhino beetles on oil palm farms. The population of the house crows increases rapidly due to the warm climate all year round in Singapore. Besides, the house crows are highly adaptable, fed on left overs and are able to use man-made materials for constructing nests. To top it off, it was reported in the National Geographic news that the crows have human-like intelligence. Here’s another interesting article, “Crow Makes Wire Hook to Get Food.” though it was a different kind of crow.
Culling the house crow was the solution and it was through the official culling program which was set up in 1973. The interesting fact is that earlier on, military marksmen were used, but in 1982, the Ministry of the Environment invited Singapore Gun Club members to take their best shots at the birds. I thought it was a smart move since at the same time, it was a good form of training for them, challenging their skill of aiming and shooting. It’s like killing two birds with one stone. It is possible that they can even enjoy the privilege of being given the permission to do so due to extremely strict gun regulations in Singapore.
They culled the crows annually and it stated that the club’s highest annual tally for culling crows was 14, 370 in 2001.
Another solution was through the role of the public that each of us can cinch our garbage bags, cover out trash cans and prune our trees to discourage nesting.
Now I remembered that it was certainly a nuisance when the crow tried to take the left over food and leave behind a mess. Then again, it was human who started the problem. I came across this appalling article of an irresponsible person who tossed the food out of the window.
I strongly agreed that the best solution is not to cull the crows but for human behavior to be corrected – to be responsible in clearing the trash properly and not leave behind left over food openly.
Do you think human is indirectly the main reason for biodiversity loss even if it is not based on our irresponsible action?
– Angeline Chen
You, Me, & Biodiversity 
Wow, that is a lot of birds! The fact that so many can be culled in one year and there still be a problem is really saying something. I wonder how much of an impact on the crows there would be if there were changes in human behavior. If the environment were less idea (if people didn’t leave trash out for crows to eat and whatnot), would that be enough to bring the species under control?
-Miranda Thomas
I would agree and disagree. I can see the major issue with these animals because of their aggressive behavior, but I was also thinking certain amounts of scavenging animals are absolutely needed. Yet understanding that their population is out of control I do agree taking more consideration to prevent these birds from feeding on our leftovers.
-Morgan Janssen
After living with various roommates, it really shouldn’t surprise me that people can’t do the simple things like take care of the trash and put lids on their garbage cans, but it still does. It’s such a simple solution to keeping the birds out of your trash that takes absolutely no more time than it does to take the trash out to the curb/dumpster/wherever you put your trash. People are so irresponsible that they don’t care until it affects them, and then all they do is complain and wait for someone else to fix the problem.
First off, crows are creepy! I can’t believe how many there are. I agree that a simple solution that could help would be humans. If we dispose our trash correctly and secure it, maybe this wouldn’t be so bad.