Community awareness and the impact of invasive Indian house crows on lizard abundance and diversity in Dodoma, Tanzania

Abstract

Invasive species such as the Indian House Crow (Corvus splendens) pose a significant ecological threat by disrupting local ecosystems and outcompeting native species. Originally from the Indian subcontinent, this crow has become invasive in Dodoma, Tanzania, where it preys on various organisms, including lizards. Lizards, which are important for pest control and as prey for higher trophic levels, are particularly affected. This study investigates community perceptions of Indian house crows and their impact on lizard populations in Dodoma. Using a combination of cross-sectional surveys and systematic sampling, we assessed local perceptions, lizard diversity and crow abundance. Our results show that approximately 85% of the community is aware of the presence and impact of Indian house crows. The study also shows that lizard diversity, as measured by Shannon's index, is higher in urban areas (1.51) with higher house crow abundance than in peri-urban areas (1.12). However, these urban areas also have significantly higher predation rates, with an average of 12% higher predation on lizards. The study highlights the ecological and socio-economic implications of house crow invasions and stresses the need for targeted management strategies to mitigate their negative impacts on local biodiversity and ecosystems.