Unguja. The Zanzibar government has unveiled a new initiative aimed at eradicating Indian crows, a destructive invasive species that has severely impacted local agriculture and the economy.
Initially introduced in 1880 by the British to help manage waste, the Indian crow population has since skyrocketed, leading to extensive ecological and agricultural challenges. By 2012, their numbers had swelled to over 1.2 million.
During the campaign’s launch on February 21, 2025, the Minister for Agriculture, Irrigation, Natural Resources, and Livestock, Shamata Shaame Khamis, emphasized the government’s dedication to collaborating with stakeholders to eliminate these birds from Unguja and Pemba islands. She acknowledged that a prior eradication effort in 2012 failed, allowing the crows to continue endangering biodiversity and public health while threatening tourism and economic stability.
“The 2012 survey recorded a crow population of 1.2 million, and their unchecked expansion presents a significant danger to agriculture and small livestock,” Shamata stated.
The current campaign employs specialized traps and targets nests, eggs, and chicks to significantly reduce crow numbers. Experts have raised alarms about the public health risks posed by the birds, which can spread diseases such as cholera, malaria, and dengue fever.
An expert voiced concerns that the crow population may have tripled since the last estimate in 2012, highlighting the importance of cooperation between governmental bodies and the private sector for a successful eradication strategy.
Zanzibar’s Director of Forestry, Said Juma Ali, urged stakeholders to back the initiative through financial support, technical expertise, and trap provision, noting, “Currently, we are using local resources, but additional support is vital, particularly in trap manufacturing.”
The project will commence in Unguja, with residents encouraged to participate in the effort, although young children will not be directly involved. So far, three traps have been installed at strategic points, including plans for more to be set up at Lumumba Regional Hospital.
Local residents have expressed their gratitude for the initiative, citing the disturbances caused by the crows. Businessman Kassim Haji remarked, “These crows are so bold that they snatch food right in front of you,” while resident Khadija Khamis insisted, “They must be eradicated.”
This renewed effort signifies a critical step towards restoring ecological balance, as authorities remain hopeful for a successful outcome this time around.
