More than 500 house crows have been culled since shooting operations resumed in March 2026, following a six-year hiatus in Singapore, the National Parks Board (NParks) announced in July 2026 [1, 2, 3].
The initial operations targeted nine districts: Bishan, Jurong, Kranji, Punggol, Sembawang, Tampines, Toa Payoh, Woodlands, and Yishun [1, 2, 3]. Due to large crow populations and site suitability, NParks plans to expand shooting to Bukit Panjang, Marine Parade, and Tanah Merah [1, 2, 3].
House crows are invasive in Singapore and threaten native biodiversity. They also pose risks to humans by attacking anyone approaching their young and cause noise and sanitation problems from droppings [1, 2, 3].
NParks uses a multi-pronged crow management approach that includes reducing food availability, disrupting nesting, population reduction, nest removal, ecology studies, habitat modification, feedback monitoring, and enforcement [1, 2, 3]. Crow shooting is a complementary method within these efforts [3].
Shooting operations follow strict safety measures. How Choon Beng, NParks group director for wildlife management, said, "Shooters must adhere to strict shooting protocols, such as ensuring that pellets are always shot upwards, as part of the enhanced safety controls for crow shooting operations" [1]. He added that "site conditions vary across locations, requiring the shooters to adapt accordingly while maintaining full compliance with the safety controls" [3]. How also noted that "crows can detect and recognise danger, making them difficult to predict due to their adaptability" [1].
Careful safety controls follow a 2020 suspension of crow shooting after incidents where residents were struck by stray pellets [3]. The operations resumed in March after National Development Minister Chee Hong Tat announced the relaunch on February 23, 2026 [1, 2].
A 2024 survey estimated Singapore’s house crow population at about 160,000 despite earlier management efforts [1]. NParks continues to monitor and adjust its strategies as it seeks to reduce this invasive species.
NParks’ next step is the planned expansion of shooting operations to Bukit Panjang, Marine Parade, and Tanah Merah, aiming to address heavy crow populations in those areas [1, 2, 3].
