Abstract
Crow (Corvus spp.) populations are increasing globally. This is cause for concern because overabundant crow populations can damage agricultural crops, harm native wildlife, and become a nuisance in urban areas. In Japan, the carrion (C. corone) and large-billed crow (C. macrorhynchos) can cause damage to crops and livestock. This damage is predicted to increase in Japan with climate change, especially when precipitation increases, inducing landscape changes that may favor crow populations and activities. In Japan, the primary control method used to manage crow damage is the destruction of nests by a crow control officer who is employed by local municipalities. Herein, I describe how urban crow populations are currently managed in Japan. I also reviewed historical records of crow control and precipitation data from 2011–2016 for the Mombetsu City, located in northern Japan, to describe a potential relationship between increased precipitation and crow abundance and activities. Lastly, I provide recommendations for mitigating damage that may be caused by predicted increases in crow populations that may result because of climate change and changes in precipitation.
Recommended Citation
Yoda, Tsuyoshi
(2019)
"Managing Urban Crow Populations in Japan,"
Human–Wildlife Interactions: Vol. 13:
Iss.
3, Article 12.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.26077/7p56-2c75
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/hwi/vol13/iss3/12
Included in
Ornithology Commons, Policy Design, Analysis, and Evaluation Commons, Urban Studies Commons, Urban Studies and Planning Commons
