Kenya’s government has launched an ambitious plan to eradicate one million Indian crows by the end of 2023, citing their disruptive presence and impact on local bird populations, the hospitality industry, and farmers. The move follows a previous attempt to control the crow population two decades ago and comes with concerns regarding the methods used for extermination, including poisoning.
A new study has revealed the potential for an invasion of feral ‘super pigs’ into the northern United States from Canada. These pigs, a hybrid of domestic swine and wild boar, have thrived in the harsh Canadian climate, exhibiting high reproductive rates, mobility, and resistance to cold temperatures. Their rapid expansion across Canada has raised concerns about their potential ecological impact, including damage to agricultural production and ecosystems. The study’s findings have identified areas vulnerable to pig expansion, such as wetlands, deciduous forests, and border regions, highlighting the need for proactive mitigation strategies to prevent their spread.
The governments of Canada and Manitoba have allocated $2.6 million to Manitoba Pork’s ‘Squeal on Pigs’ campaign, aiming to control the wild pig population within the province. This program encourages Manitobans to report wild pig sightings, providing tools for identification and reporting. Wild pigs pose threats to human and animal health, as well as causing damage to agricultural resources. The campaign emphasizes the importance of not hunting wild pigs independently, as it can disperse their populations.
Fresh research suggests that Western Canada’s once-dwindling caribou population has finally begun to rebound, primarily due to the controversial culling of hundreds of wolves. The study concluded that the aggressive wolf reduction policies, which are expected to continue for decades, are the main factor behind the observed population increase. However, the findings have sparked ethical concerns among wildlife managers and raised questions about the long-term sustainability of caribou conservation strategies reliant on predator removal.
Research suggests that Western Canada’s caribou populations are rebounding after decades of decline. The study found that a 52% increase in caribou numbers since 2020 is primarily attributed to the culling of hundreds of wolves. While wolf culling has proven effective in increasing caribou growth rates, it remains a controversial measure, raising concerns about animal welfare and its reliance on killing another wild animal. Despite conservation agreements, habitat concerns persist, necessitating continued wolf culling as a stopgap measure in the absence of effective habitat restoration efforts.
