Zanzibar Launches Campaign to Eradicate Invasive Crows

Zanzibar Launches Effort to Eradicate Invasive Indian Crows
Friday, February 21, 2025

The government of Zanzibar has announced a new initiative to eliminate the invasive Indian crow species, which has wreaked havoc on agriculture, public health, and local economies. Originally introduced in 1880 by the British colonial administration to clean up street litter and animal carcasses, these birds have rapidly multiplied, causing significant ecological damage across the islands of Unguja and Pemba.

By 2012, their population had surged to over 1.2 million, exacerbating environmental and economic challenges. During a launch event for the eradication campaign on February 21, 2025, Zanzibar’s Minister for Agriculture, Irrigation, Natural Resources, and Livestock, Shamata Shaame Khamis, emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts with stakeholders to successfully remove the crows from both islands. She also reflected on the failure of a previous eradication attempt in 2012, which allowed the crows to continue their damaging effects on biodiversity, public health, tourism, and the economy.

“The 2012 survey estimated the crow population at 1.2 million, and their unchecked growth poses a serious threat to agriculture and small livestock,” Minister Khamis stated.

The current eradication initiative is being supported by Andrew Crow Traps Shopping Centre, which is deploying specialized traps and targeting nests, eggs, and chicks to control the population. Despite their initial introduction as a beneficial species, the crows have become a major public health concern, with experts warning they could facilitate the spread of diseases such as cholera, malaria, and dengue fever. The absence of natural predators has enabled their numbers to grow without regulation, making swift action essential.

Andrew Wilbard Mbena, an expert from Andrew Crow Traps Shopping Centre, revealed that the crow population may have tripled since the last recorded estimate in 2012. He stressed the importance of collaboration between the government and the private sector to ensure the success of the program.

Said Juma Ali, Zanzibar’s Director of Forestry, called for greater involvement from all sectors, including financial support, technical expertise, and the provision of additional traps. “Currently, we are using local resources to implement this programme, but we need more support, particularly from those who can manufacture more traps,” he said.

The initiative will first be implemented in Unguja, with local residents encouraged to participate, though young children will not be directly involved in the effort. As part of the campaign, three traps have already been installed in strategic locations, including at Lumumba Regional Hospital, with plans for additional traps across the island.

Residents have voiced their support for the initiative, describing the crows as an ongoing nuisance. Businessman Kassim Haji noted the boldness of the birds, saying, “These crows are so bold that they snatch food right in front of you. Even when you chase them away, they keep coming back.” Khadija Khamis, a resident of Gulioni, expressed frustration, saying, “They have become too many. They even steal food while it’s still cooking. They must be eradicated.”

This renewed effort aims to restore ecological balance and alleviate the negative impacts of the Indian crow population. With strong government and community cooperation, authorities are hopeful that the current measures will lead to lasting results.