Details of this species in Zanzibar Status: Alien
Invasiveness: Invasive
Occurrence: Established
Source: Ryall 1992 Arrival Date: late 1800s
Introduction: Species Notes for this Location:
The Indian house crow was brought to Zanzibar in late 1800s with the intention of using its scavenging powers to reduce the rubbish problem there. However, not only did it become a pest on Zanzibar (a series of programs were unsuccessful in eradicating it) but it spread to the mainland. Unfortunately, its presence and potential were not taken seriously and the house crow is now known to be extending its range far inland (Howell 2005). Management Notes for this Location:
The long established population of house crows in Zanzibar was reduced by 80% between 1990 and 1995 through an intensive eradication programme funded by the FINNIDA (Archer 1996, in Ryall 2002). The programme was discontinued when funds ran out. Impacts:
Reduction in native biodiversity: Corvus splendens is well known as a nest-raider of ploceida and other native birds in its native India (Reid 1881, Ali 1956, Lamba 1976) as well as in much of its introduced range: Malaysia (D.R. Wells pers. comm.), the Seychelles (Ryall 1986), Zanzibar (Alexander 1985) and mainland Tanzania (N. Baker, pers. comm.) (cited in Ryall 1992). For example the native pied crow (Corvus albus) has been displaced by C. splendens in Zanzibar (Pakenham 1979, in Ryall 1992). Last Modified: 15/10/2007 3:09:45 p.m.
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