Strategy in works to manage crow, bat population

Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Welfare is working with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to develop an effective strategy to monitor and manage the growing populations of crows and bats, following concerns raised by farmers about crop damage.

Agriculture Minister Dr Mariyam Mariya answering a question regarding public complaints about the nuisance caused by crows and bats during the Ahaa Forum on Monday night emphasized the importance of coexisting with wildlife rather than resorting to extermination.

“We must learn to live with these creatures instead of simply trying to kill them,” she said, highlighting the broader issue of habitat destruction as a key factor behind the increase in crow and bat activity in residential and farming areas.

During a meeting between the ministry and the EPA, officials discussed non-lethal methods to protect agricultural areas, while also considering population monitoring as a first step toward long-term management.

EPA said it would begin assessing the number of crows and bats and study the extent of their impact before recommending specific interventions.

However, EPA said that killing may be considered only as a last resort, should other methods prove ineffective.

Minister Mariya said that many of the current issues stem from the destruction of natural habitats, pushing these animals into closer contact with human environments where they feed on domestic fruit trees.

She stressed the need for stronger environmental protection efforts to address the root cause of the problem.