Invader bird species lands in South Africa
Birders urged to keep eye out for the invasive house crow
HOUSE crows, aka Corvus splendens, are invading parts of South Africa, mostly coastal regions in the Western Cape, Eastern Cape and KZN.
According to Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, house crows are native to Asia and are considered one of the most invasive birds in the world.
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In South Africa, the species is listed under the National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act (NEM: BA 2004) as category 1a alien and invasive species, requiring compulsory control.
“House crows pose a threat to native birds by out-competing them for food, habitat, and by eating their eggs,” said Ezemvelo.
They are also a nuisance to society and a threat to people’s livelihoods.
They are aggressive and can attack people, such as street vendors, kill small native animals and poultry, damage crops, and harass livestock.
Their nests usually contain wire and are built on light poles, which may disrupt the electricity supply and create a fire risk.”
Ezemvelo has joined forces with various stakeholders to put a stop to this invader species that threatens biodiversity in the country.
To stop house crows from establishing more populations and spreading further inland, one of the crucial steps is to map their current distribution at confirmed sightings and population sizes.
Several organisations have already joined forces on this project, including the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment (DFFE), South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI), municipalities, among others.
Report sightings
Members of the public can also be involved, by reporting populations via one of the following platforms:
Download the iNaturalist OR Birdlasser app on a smartphone, or visit the associated websites (www.inaturalist.org or www.birdlasser.com): upload digital photos, the date, and the locality of the observation.
Alternatively, use WhatsApp by dropping a pin and sending details and photos of observations to 072 9428183.
House crow description
They are relatively small and slim-bodied birds with a head to tail length of about 40cm. Their eyes, bill, legs and feet are all black in colour, but their chest region and the back of their necks are a pale/non-glossy grey colour.
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