Singapore Resumes Crow Shooting Operations Across Nine Districts Following Surge in Bird Population and Attacks

NParks resumes crow shooting in Singapore as the population hits 160,000. Learn how residents can help deter birds and avoid avian attacks.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 2, 2026, 7:30 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from The Straits Times

The Escalation of Urban Avian Population Control

The National Parks Board recently authorized the return of targeted shooting operations to address the exponential growth of the house crow population on the mainland. After a six year period where lethal measures were suspended, authorities determined that alternative strategies were no longer sufficient to maintain public safety. This decision follows data showing a dramatic rise in the number of these non native birds, which have increasingly colonized urban spaces. While trapping and removing nests were the primary methods used in previous years, the sheer volume of birds and a spike in reported attacks on residents necessitated a more direct intervention to stabilize the ecosystem.

A Broadened Strategic Outreach Across the Island

Control measures have already commenced in Yishun and are scheduled for a rapid expansion into eight additional districts in the coming weeks. The National Parks Board identifies Bishan, Jurong, Kranji, Punggol, Sembawang, Tampines, Toa Payoh, and Woodlands as the next priority areas for these operations. During a demonstration at a heavy vehicle carpark in Jurong on April 2, 2026, officials provided a rare glimpse into the logistical execution of these culls. According to Soh Ze Bin, the director for wildlife management and outreach, the success of these operations depends heavily on a coordinated effort between government agencies and the general public.

The Alarming Growth Rate of Non Native Species

The urgency behind the current campaign is underscored by startling census figures that highlight a massive surge in bird numbers over the last decade. A 2024 survey estimated the house crow population at roughly 160,000, a staggering increase compared to the 7,200 birds recorded in a similar study back in 2016. This growth represents a twenty fold increase in less than ten years, illustrating how effectively these omnivorous birds have adapted to the urban environment. The lack of natural predators and the abundance of human provided food sources have allowed the species to flourish at a rate that traditional biological controls can no longer manage.