Help eradicate invasive bird species
In relation to this legislation house crows must be combatted or eradicated wherever they occur.
House crows are indigenous to Asia but are invading coastal and inland areas of South Africa and many other parts of the world.
They are considered to be one of worst invasive bird species in the world.
In fact, they are a Category 1a listed invasive species in terms of National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act Alien and Invasive Species Regulations.
In relation to this legislation house crows must be combatted or eradicated wherever they occur.
Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife are collating sightings of the species within the province as part of a national monitoring programme. It is crucial to map the presence of the house crows within the Ugu district as part of this process and as a contribution to developing a national intervention plan.
The regional ecologist for South-East KZN, Dr Yvette Ehlers Smith is looking for sightings data with photos to ensure positive identification of this species.
Crows are noisy and disruptive in urban areas and are known to attack people.
Dr Ehlers Smith said these aggressive birds also kill young poultry thus affecting food security of poor communities in particular.
They prey on and affect populations of smaller indigenous animals and may harass livestock.
Their nests usually contain wire and may disrupt electricity supply and create a fire risk when built on electrical infrastructure. If their numbers build up they can create a significant additional bird strike collision risk at airports.
“However, they are not to be confused with the indigenous pied crow, Cape crow or the white necked raven,” she said.
Why has it adapted so well?
Dr Ehlers Smith explained that the climate and urban environment in South Africa are favourable to house crows.
“They are commensal with man, and are intelligent, adaptable and aggressive to other species and are able to outcompete native bird species. The poor state of waste management in the country is providing extra food and facilitating their establishment.”
It is illegal to import, posses, breed, transport or trade in house crows.
Landowners and organs of state must immediately take steps to combat or eradicate house crows occurring on their land, notify the relevant competent authority of the presence of crows and allow officials to enter their properties to monitor or assist with control of crows.
While the numbers of house crows on the South Coast are thought to be relatively low, this is the ideal time to remove them.
When populations grow larger it becomes very expensive and almost impossible to manage.
Unfortunately, as has been shown in Esikhawini (Richards Bay area) and Durban, they breed very rapidly and quickly become a menace. Schooling is even being disrupted by large flocks of noisy birds.
You can help protect South Africa’s natural heritage and society, particularly urban communities, by reporting all sightings of house crows and their nests using one of the following tools:
* Download the iNaturalist app on your smart phone or visit the iNaturalist web site www.inaturalist.org. Register and login. Upload digital photos, date and locality of your observation of house crow(s). Scientists will confirm the identification and use the information to track spread and plan control.
* Download and register to use the BirdLasser app on your smart phone (PlayStore or www.birdlasser.com). Upload digital photos, date, locality and other information relating to your observation of house crow(s).
*Download the WhatsApp app onto your smart phone. Drop pin and send details and photos of your observations to 072 9428183.
* Email details and photos of your observations to the Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife ecologist for eThekwini and Ugu districts smithy@kznwildlife.com
For more information: visit www.invasives.org.za.
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like the South Coast Herald’s Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram
