AIZAWL:
An steep rise in the population of crows in Tlabung, a town along the Mizoram-Bangladesh border, is turning out to be a menace for the local populace.
Chairman of the Young Mizo Association (YMA) sub-committee on science and environment, Hmingthansanga Ralte, on May 16, said that the massive increase in the population of ravens had been noticed earlier, but the menace became clear after the birds began attacking domestic animals.
“The increase in population had been observed during the past five years and believed to be due to migration of the crows from other places, especially from Bangladesh,” he said.
He said the ravenous birds not only pick fishes left behind by fish catchers from the river Khawthlangtuipui (Karnaphuli) and its tributaries, but also attack pigs and chickens and even eat the chicks. He said the crows would attack pigs and chickens on their backs and after injuring them, they would feed on the injuries.
A group of these birds have been destroying the nests of other birds, killing large numbers of hatchlings, nestlings and fledglings as well, informed Ralte.
“This has resulted in the destruction of the ecological balance in the area, as the inhabitants of Tlabung town were proud of the large number of birds and different species that co-existed with the people of the town.” Ralte said.
Ralte added that the massive decrease in the population of other birds has become a matter of concern for the populace of the town.
“We had been making efforts to plant trees during planting season every year, especially those that yield food for birds as well as other animals,” he said.
He said the sub-committee will consult with the officials of the Environment, Forests and Climate Change Department of Lunglei district on how to tackle the menace and remove the crows from the town and surrounding areas. He also said they will be taking necessary actions after taking advice from the environmental experts.
A retired Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer said that he has never heard about the phenomenon of population explosion of crows, saying that research should be undertaken to find out the reasons.