Multi-pronged approach to tackle bird problems

We refer to the forum letter “食阁鸟患何时休?” (21 Nov) and thank the writer for the feedback.  

The management of invasive bird species requires a coordinated effort by all agencies as well as the support of the public. The National Environment Agency (NEA), National Parks Board (NParks) and Singapore Food Agency (SFA) work together with Town Councils to raise public awareness about the negative impact of bird feeding and ensure measures are in place to manage the population of pigeons, crows, and mynas. These measures include reducing food sources for these birds.

For example, NEA and SFA carry out enforcement against table littering at hawker centres, food courts and coffeeshops. In addition, NEA has been working together with the Town Councils, Hawkers’ Associations, stallholders, and cleaning contractors to manage waste properly and discourage littering. Similarly, SFA works with food business operators to ensure upkeep of premises and proper refuse management. NParks works with agencies to take a science- and community-based approach which include other population control strategies such as habitat modification and studies to understand the population ecology of the birds, such as their roosting patterns and movements. This is required to reduce the population of such birds and keep their population growth under control.

The community’s support is critical to keep the population of such birds down. We will continue reaching out to the community and schools to remind the public to refrain from feeding these birds and maintain the cleanliness of the environment. The public can help to mitigate population growth and minimise dis-amenities by not feeding birds and disposing of food scraps properly. 

Andrew Low
Group Director (Hawker Centres)
National Environment Agency

How Choon Beng
Group Director, Wildlife Management
National Parks Board

Siti Suriani Abdul Majid
Senior Director, Joint Operations Division
Singapore Food Agency