Indian crows threaten native Kenyan birds

Elements Envato/ For Illustration

Kenyan farmer Danson Safari was forced to give up poultry rearing after losing hundreds of chickens to attacks from aggressive Indian house crows which are multiplying along the country's coast.

The growing threat has prompted Kenyan authorities and conservation groups to turn to a chemical called starlicide to eliminate the pests while minimising harm to other birds.

The invasive species was originally brought to East Africa from the Indian subcontinent in 1891 and researchers estimate that they number almost one million in Kenya today.

The crows have dramatically reduced the populations of birds native to Kenya, said Kirao Lennox, research scientist at conservation group A Rocha Kenya.

"They are now predating on our indigenous species, targeting nests, eggs, chicks, and even adult birds," Lennox said. "Without natural predators to keep their numbers in check, they are overwhelming the ecosystem, leading to the decline of native species."

Since being deployed, the starlicide has killed around 200 crows in a month in the coastal town of Watamu, said Eric Kinoti, a crow control officer at A Rocha Kenya.

Kinoti said the crows have also been seen along the road connecting the port city of Mombasa to Nairobi. He fears the crows could decimate biodiversity within Kenya's capital city, especially in Nairobi National Park, home to hundreds of bird species.

"We don't want them to get to Nairobi," he said. "When they enter into that ecosystem, they are going to totally eliminate the other bird species."

More from Quirky

Coming Up on Dubai Eye

  • The Business Breakfast

    6:00am - 10:00am

    The Business Breakfast is the day’s must listen for the UAE’s business leaders, and those who aspire to be.

  • The Agenda

    10:00am - 1:00pm

    Broadcasting every weekday, Georgia Tolley goes beyond the headlines to speak to government ministers, decision makers, analysts and local experts to find out how the news will impact those of us living in the UAE.

BUSINESS BREAKFAST LATEST

On Dubai Eye

  • Is There Sufficient House Supply In UAE

    Dubai’s current population is more than double compared to almost twenty years ago, which now stands at 3.7 million. Lots of families are also moving to the UAE now. So what does it mean for the property market?

  • Noon's First Female Delivery Driver

    Glory Ehirim Nkiruka is Noon’s first ever female delivery driver. In her first ever interview, she explained why she loves her job, despite the heat!