Mombasa, Kenya's coastal hub, is facing an escalating challenge with its burgeoning population of Indian house crows. These invasive birds, first recorded in the city in 1947, have become a significant nuisance for local businesses and pose threats to both native wildlife and public health.
Wasike Wasike, group operations manager for Heritage Hotels, highlights the impact on the hospitality industry: "Outdoor dining has become a competition with these birds. It's counterproductive to invest in high-end facilities when they're constantly invaded." To combat this issue, some establishments have resorted to employing guards armed with catapults to protect diners from the audacious crows.
The problem extends beyond luxury hotels. Small business owners like Fatuma Mishi, a fishmonger at Vikwatani market, struggle daily with the crows. "They swoop down on my fish the moment I look away. I have to pay someone to protect my produce," Mishi explains.
Conservationists and health experts warn that the crows' impact goes beyond mere annoyance. John Musina, an ornithologist with the National Museums of Kenya, states, "It's crucial to eradicate this invasive species to halt its negative ecological and social effects along the East African coast."
The crows, scientifically known as Corvus splendens, are native to South and Southeast Asia. They've spread to at least 36 countries outside their native range, often hitchhiking on ships or being deliberately introduced for pest control. In Kenya, their population is estimated between 1-2 million along the coast, with numbers growing rapidly.
To address this issue, the Kenyan government has initiated a mass cull, aiming to eliminate up to 1 million crows by the end of 2024. The plan involves using Starlicide, a slow-acting poison specifically toxic to corvids and less harmful to other wildlife.
Dr. Mwenda Mbaka, an expert in veterinary public health, explains the multifaceted threat posed by the crows: "They carry at least eight human diseases in their guts. Additionally, they aggressively prey on native bird species, small reptiles, and mammals, disrupting local ecosystems."
The crows' success in Mombasa and other urban areas is largely attributed to their intelligence, adaptability, and the absence of natural predators. As Kenya undergoes rapid urbanization, the birds are expanding their range inland, following the spread of waste dumps that provide ample food sources.
While the cull is seen as necessary by many, it raises questions about long-term solutions and the balance between urban development and ecological preservation. As Mombasa continues to grow, finding sustainable ways to manage wildlife interactions will be crucial for both economic development and environmental conservation.
"You cannot take away your eyes from your wares. The moment you do so, these birds swoop and prey on my fish. Or they defecate on your wares and so I pay this boy a small fee to protect me and my produce."
As the cull progresses, Mombasa's residents and businesses continue their daily struggle against these persistent avian invaders, hoping for a future where outdoor dining and market shopping can occur without the constant threat from above.