Predation dynamics: hunting tactics, impact, and control strategies of indian house crows on local chicken in Dodoma district, Tanzania

Abstract

Predation is one of the major challenges threatening chicken farmers, hindering the livelihood potentials in the poultry sector. We employed a cross-sectional design to assess the economic burden and strategies for overcoming predation by Indian House Crows (IHC) among farmers of indigenous chickens in Dodoma City, Tanzania. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews. Quantitative data were analyzed using International Business Machines Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (IBM SPSS) version 26, while qualitative data were analyzed through content analysis. The mean flock size was 24±5 chickens, kept mainly under a free-range system. Depredation of chickens by IHC was high (210 chickens, 35.8%) during the dry season, with chicks being largely affected (461 individuals, 78.7%) compared to other age groups. Factors influencing depredation included the free-range system, young age of chickens, diseases, the dry season, and large flock sizes. Farmers perceived chicken depredation by IHC as a burden that impoverished their livelihood efforts. The main prevention measures against IHC predation were locking chickens up and chasing and shouting at crows. This study recommends further research on effective mechanisms to control IHC in the district and other areas with high crow populations to ensure the sustainability of chicken production and the poultry sector at large.