🔥 Trending NParks Expands Crow Culling Operations After Culling Over 500 Birds

The National Parks Board (NParks) crow culling operations in Singapore refer to the ongoing efforts by the Singaporean authorities to manage and reduce the population of house crows (Corvus splendens), an invasive species in the country ³⁴. These operations involve various methods, including shooting, trapping, and nest removal, implemented in response to a significant increase in the crow population and a rise in public complaints about crow-related issues, such as aggression and attacks ²⁴⁷.

Background and Rationale for Culling

The house crow is not native to Singapore and is considered an invasive species ³. Its population has seen a dramatic increase, from an estimated 7,300 in 2016 to approximately 160,000 by 2024, meaning there is roughly one crow for every 38 people in Singapore ⁹. This surge has led to various problems:

• Increased Complaints and Attacks: In 2025 alone, authorities received 15,000 feedback cases related to crows, with over 2,000 reported attacks ⁷.
• Aggressive Behavior: Crows have been observed exhibiting aggressive behavior towards the public ²⁴.
• Ecological Impact: As an invasive species, large crow populations can disrupt local ecosystems.
• Public Nuisance: Crows can be a nuisance due to noise, droppings, and scavenging behavior.

Despite intensified efforts in trapping and nest removal, these methods alone have been deemed insufficient to control the rapidly growing crow population ⁴⁷.

Resumption and Expansion of Shooting Operations

NParks resumed crow shooting operations from March 2026, citing the increase in crow population and public complaints ²⁴⁷.

• Initial Resumption: Shooting operations recommenced from the second half of March 2026 ⁴⁸.
• Successful Culling: Since the start of these shooting operations in March, over 500 crows have been culled ¹³.
• Expansion of Operations: As of July 17, 2026, NParks announced it would progressively expand shooting operations to more districts ¹. Initially launched across nine districts (including Bishan, Jurong, Tampines, and Woodlands), the program is now expanding to three new areas: Bukit Panjang, Marine Parade, and Tanah Merah ⁶.

Methods Employed in Culling Operations

NParks utilizes a multi-pronged approach to manage the crow population:

• Shooting: Trained marksmen are deployed to conduct shooting operations, which have proven effective in culling significant numbers of crows ⁵.
• Trapping: Crows are captured using traps. In 2025, over 13,000 crows were trapped and removed, a substantial increase from over 1,800 in 2021 ⁵.
• Nest Removal: Nests are actively removed to prevent breeding. In 2025, close to 9,000 crow nests were removed islandwide, up from over 600 in 2021 ⁵.
• Robot Decoys: In some instances, robot decoys are deployed, likely to aid in luring or deterring crows ⁵.

Public Involvement and Future Outlook

NParks also encourages public cooperation in managing the crow population, offering tips on how individuals can help control the population and avoid attacks ¹⁰. The expansion of shooting operations indicates a continued commitment by NParks to address the crow problem proactively and reduce the impact of this invasive species on Singapore's environment and residents ¹⁶.