Crows and bats should not be killed, need to coexist: Minister Maria

Agriculture and Animal Welfare Minister Dr Mariyam Maria has stated that the policy is not to kill animals such as crows and bats, but instead to coexist with them.

Speaking at the “Ahaa” forum on Monday night, Minister Maria addressed a question about the public nuisance caused by crows and bats. She emphasized that while their presence may be disturbing, the solution is not to eliminate them but to learn to live alongside them.

Addu Maradhoo MP Ahmed Didi raised the issue in Parliament, stating that crows are a threat to the White Tern (locally known as "Dhondheeni"), a protected bird species found in Addu.

He questioned whether residents in Addu must continue living with the increasing population of crows and bats.

In response, Minister Maria reiterated the importance of understanding the root causes of such disturbances. She said that the destruction of natural habitats is a major factor, which leads to animals like crows and bats foraging for food in residential areas and damaging fruit trees.

“The problems arise because their habitats are not protected or maintained,” she said.

“We don’t intend to solve the issue by killing crows and bats. Our aim is to coexist with them and create an environment where they can live alongside us.”

The Minister added that planting more trees is one of the most effective long-term strategies to restore natural habitats and reduce conflict between wildlife and humans.

She also revealed that a comprehensive management plan is currently being developed in coordination with the Environment Ministry and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Implementation of this plan is expected to begin soon, she said.