The large-billed crows, a crow species common in Bhutan, have become a rare sight in the country’s urban areas over the years. Conservationists say the population of the bird is diminishing significantly as it fall prey to house crows.
House crow, a bird from the same family, is native to India and the Middle East countries. But they are found to have migrated to 28 other countries outside their native range over the years.
The first-ever house crow population survey carried out in Thimphu recently by the Nature Conservation Division (NCD) and the Ugyen Wangchuck Institute for Conservation and Environmental Research (UWICER) found 200 house crows in the capital.
The house crows in neighboring Indian border towns are believed to have migrated up to the northern and western parts of Bhutan over the last two decades.
The country’s wildlife conservationists say the house crows are an invasive species. “They chase away the large-billed crows and try to destroy their nests and even chase and kill their off-springs,” said Tandin, a Forestry Officer with the Nature Conservation Division.
Based on the survey report, the Nature Conservation Division will come up with measures to control the population of the invasive house crows. “We will try management interventions like capturing and releasing them into favorable natural habitats,” said Tandin. “We are also looking at options like destroying their nests,” added Tandin.
Wildlife conservationists say the long term solution would be proper management of household wastes. “If we don’t manage our wastes, we won’t be able to control the population of the bird,” added Tandin.
Once a common sight even in urban places, the large-billed crows can now be seen only in far flung villages. “Earlier, we used to see them come over to feed on ritual cakes,” said Tshering Om, a Thimphu resident. “But now it is hard to see them. They do not show up like they did in the past.”
Pem from Paro, too, recalls seeing large-billed crows frequenting trees near her house every time she held rituals at home. “They have now disappeared,” she said.
The Memorial Chorten is one place in Thimphu frequented by house crows. “We don’t see large-billed crows, instead we see lots of house crows at the memorial chorten,” said Lhakpa Tshering, a Thimphu resident.
Conservationists fear that if the population of the bird is not maintained, it could disrupt the ecosystem. The large-billed crows also hold religious significance for the Bhutanese. The bird is widely believed to be representations of deities.
Apart from the size of their bill, the large-billed crows and the house crows looks almost alike. Another distinct physical characteristic that sets the two birds apart is the grey-colored nape of the house crows.
