DETERMINATION OF HOODED CROW (CORVUS CORONE L.) POPULATION AND METHODS OF CONTROL IN SHEEP FARM AT RAS SEDR, SOUTH SINAI, EGYPT

Abstract

this paper present information on the population density, depredation and control of hooded crow (Corvus corone) in sheep farm at Ras-sedr, South Sinai, Egypt. The population of hooded crow increased through spring and summer seasons with a peak during June with mean 29.5 individuals, while the lowest recorded during January with 9.5 individuals, where’s the winter season. The hooded crow attacks sheep farms during the whole year, with increasing in an attack against lambs than big animals, the highest percentage of damage recorded during June with 4.76 & 23.29 % in both lambs and big animals respectively. Mechanical and chemical studies are doing to reduce the population of crow. Mechanical control represented with the fine net is not effective method to catch a hooded crow, but chemical control using three pesticides (Methomyl, Zinc phosphide and super caid) gave more effect on crows in the studied area, with the highest value during April reducing the population by 46.8, 53.1 and 73.3 % respectively.