Kenya rolls out poison in bid to cull a million crows

In the coastal region of Kenya, particularly in towns like Malindi and Watamu, there is a significant issue with a type of bird known as the Indian house crow. These birds, which are often referred to as 'kunguru' or 'kurabu' in the local language, have become a nuisance for the residents. The government has taken a drastic step to address this problem by initiating a plan to cull a million of these crows. Unlike the fictional horror depicted in Alfred Hitchcock's film 'The Birds', the crows in Kenya are not attacking humans; however, they have been causing considerable disruption to the local ecosystem and economy. The Indian house crows are known for preying on local wildlife, raiding tourist areas, and attacking poultry farms. The authorities are now using poison in an effort to control their population and prevent them from spreading further inland, particularly towards the capital city of Nairobi. The Indian house crows are believed to have originated from India and other parts of Asia. They were likely introduced to East Africa in the late 19th century to help manage waste in the Zanzibar archipelago, which was then a British protectorate. Since their introduction, these crows have thrived, especially in urban areas where human waste provides ample food sources. Their population has exploded since they were first recorded in Mombasa in 1947, and they have no natural predators to keep their numbers in check. Experts have raised concerns about the impact of these invasive birds on local biodiversity. Jaap Gijsbertsen, a Dutch bird expert visiting Kenya, noted that the crows prey on not only birds but also mammals and reptiles, leading to a decline in indigenous species. Conservationists have observed a significant reduction in the populations of smaller local birds, such as weavers and waxbills, as the crows destroy their nests and consume their eggs and chicks. Lennox Kirao, a research scientist with the conservation group A Rocha Kenya, emphasized that the decline of local bird populations could lead to an increase in harmful pests and insects that these birds typically control. Residents have expressed their frustrations with the crows, describing their aggressive behavior. Eunice Katana, a farmer from Kilifi County, remarked, 'They pounce on chicks and eat them like madmen. These are not normal birds. ' The crows have also been known to create a mess by defecating on buildings and disrupting the peace with their loud cawing. Victor Kimuli, a resident of Mombasa, shared his annoyance, stating, 'These crows rise early and interrupt our sleep with their annoying squeals and cawing. ' Given the extent of the problem, the authorities felt compelled to take action. The culling process began after extensive consultations with environmental experts, conservationists, community leaders, and representatives from the hotel industry. The goal is to reduce the Indian house crow population to a manageable level. The culling involves a method called pre-baiting, where food is left out to attract the crows to specific locations. Once a large number of crows gather, they are poisoned. The poison being used is called Starlicide, which has been shown to effectively reduce crow numbers without harming other bird species. In 2022, tests conducted by Little Kenya Gardens, the company licensed to import the poison, resulted in the death of nearly 2,000 crows. Cecilia Ruto, the owner of the company, explained that the slow-acting poison allows the crows to metabolize it before dying, minimizing the risk of secondary poisoning to other animals. Currently, there are plans to import more of this poison from New Zealand to aid in the ongoing eradication efforts. However, the use of poison has raised ethical concerns among animal rights activists, who argue that it is inhumane and that alternative, non-lethal methods should be considered. Leonard Onyango, an environmentalist, stated, 'Mass poisoning is a short-term solution that does not address the root cause of the problem. ' He emphasized the need for sustainable and humane approaches to manage the crow population. Despite these concerns, those involved in the culling program stress the importance of protecting native species and maintaining ecological balance. They warn that if action is not taken, the damage could become irreversible. This is not the first time the Kenyan government has attempted to control invasive bird species. Over 20 years ago, a similar effort was made, but the government later banned the importation of Starlicide to regulate what substances were allowed into the country. The crows have also become a nuisance for hotels, where they steal food from guests and disrupt dining experiences. Maureen Awuor, chairperson of the Kenya Association of Hotelkeepers and Caterers, expressed her frustration, saying, 'The crows have really become a big bother to guests who visit our hotels to enjoy their meals outside the tropical beaches. ' Some hotels have resorted to trapping the crows or using catapults to scare them away, but these methods have proven largely ineffective. The authorities are particularly concerned about the potential for the crows to spread further inland, as they have already been spotted in areas far from the coast. Conservationists fear that if the crows reach Nairobi, it could pose a significant threat to the country's birdlife, especially in protected areas like Nairobi National Park.