NParks responds to Bukit Panjang resident who wanted 'justice and kindness' for trapped crows
The National Parks Board (NParks) has responded to concerns from a Bukit Panjang resident over a crow trap it set up.
Stomper Maddy had spotted birds in the trap at Block 401 Fajar Road on June 23 at about 8.30am, and said they were "suffering".
Maddy said she believes the crows "have a right to live in this world", adding: "I hope Stomp can bring justice and kindness to these birds."
In response to a Stomp query, Mr How Choon Beng, NParks' group director of wildlife management, explained that house crows (Corvus splendens) are a non-native and invasive species that pose a threat to native biodiversity.
He said: "NParks adopts a holistic and science-based approach to managing pest bird species, comprising measures such as food source reduction, habitat modification, and population control.
"NParks conducts studies to understand the ecology of the birds, such as their roosting patterns and movements. As part of the measures to manage the crow population in the area, crow nests are regularly removed, and crows are also trapped and removed."
The crow trap that the Stomper saw was deployed in mid-June.
"The cage used for trapping has a sheltered section to provide shade, and a bowl of water is placed within for the birds," Mr How added.
"Crows that have been trapped are also retrieved from the traps daily by the end of the day."
To reduce population growth of crows, NParks advises against feeding crows and to ensure food scraps are properly disposed of.
Feeding wild animals is an offence under the Wildlife Act. First-time offenders can be fined up to $5,000, and up to $10,000 for subsequent offences.
Mr How said NParks monitors feedback on illegal bird feeding and undertakes active enforcement, which includes physical surveillance and the deployment of CCTV cameras at identified feeding hotspots.
"Managing the crow population requires the efforts of multiple agencies and town councils," he shared.
"This includes reducing human-generated food sources, such as by tackling high-rise littering and managing waste at food establishments and bin centres.
"NParks also reaches out to members of the community such as students through outreach talks in schools, and the elderly via the 'Our Avian Neighbours' initiative which aims to raise awareness among the elderly on the negative impacts of bird feeding.
"Under this initiative, which was launched in July 2023, NParks collaborates with Active Ageing Centres to organise engagement sessions comprising a talk on common urban birds and the negative impacts of bird feeding, and these messages are emphasised through educational games, and the distribution of collaterals."
