On the use of pharmacological sterilisation to control feral pigeon populations

Abstract

The use of chemosterilisation for controlling feral pigeon populations was investigated by: (1) quantifying the reproductive activity of pigeons in two Italian cities; (2) testing the efficacy of nicarbazin, an anticoccidial drug with rapid and reversible effects on the reproduction of laying hens, on groups of paired pigeons maintained in open aviaries; and (3) simulating the effects of the use of nicarbazin on a hypothetical population, allowing for the reproductive productivity recorded in (1) and the efficacy of this drug as obtained in (2). Breeding attempts were recorded all year round in both study sites with a minimum peak in September-October, a maximum in March-July, but with active nests in winter too. In terms of the sterility activity of the drug, the results showed only a partial inhibition of reproduction of pigeons fed ∼38-82 mg nicarbazin day −1 (kg bodyweight) −1 (500 and 800 ppm in feed), which, according to the simulations, would produce only a fleeting reduction of their abundance in the field. Data do not seem to support the use of this drug as an effective control method for feral pigeons, and they cast doubts on the opportunity to make use of chemosterilants, which produce only partial and reversible effects. The use of this drug could perhaps be considered only as part of an integrated pest-management program, which necessarily has to include the reduction of carrying capacity of the urban environment.

Fertility control to mitigate human–wildlife conflicts: a review

“…The disadvantage is that NCZ must be fed continuously before and during egg-laying to be effective (Fagerstone et al 2010). This may underlie the equivocal results reported for population-level effects in the field (Giunchi et al 2007;Ferri et al 2009). …”

Urban Environment Use by Speckled (Columba Guinea) and Feral (Columba Livia) Pigeons on the University of South Africa’s Muckleneuk Campus

“…An idea seconded by Ditchkoff et al (2006), considers science to be lacking in understanding wildlife management in urban spaces, thus resulting in continual challenges and difficulties in managing these wildlife http://www.aloki. Knowledge of pigeon biology, ecology and behaviour relating to the use of urban environments are therefore important factors to consider when designing wildlife management plans (Giunchi et al, 2007;Giunchi et al, 2012). Cities need to be recognised as ecosystems, with new niche habitats that require specific attention and management, ultimately guided by wildlife's use of urban spaces.…”

O pombo (Columba livia) como agente carreador de Salmonella spp. e as implicações em saúde pública

“…a uma retomada rápida da atividade reprodutiva quando o tratamento for interrompido (Giunchi et al, 2007). Na Europa, a redução da população de pombos foi possí-vel por meio do bloqueio das aberturas de edifícios (Ragni et al, 1996) e controlando o fornecimento de alimentos para as aves (Haag-Wackernagel, 1993).…”