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(a) Monthly percentage of active nests out of the total number of nests monitored. (b) Percentage of juvenile birds recorded in three different sites in Venice (mean ± s.d.); mean number of considered birds per month (minimum–maximum) = 11–120.
Source publication
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 avi...
Citations
... A study in Italy estimated population declines using mathematical models in various scenarios where consumption of nicarbazin was inconsistent and low, or consistent and high. They estimated a decline in pigeon populations after the first year of consumption, a range from 18% to 41%, depending on the consumption scenario (Giunchi et al. 2007). ...
... Information related to the dispersal and home range of pigeons is scarce with little data available about the rate of exchange between pigeons among cities (Giunchi et al. 2007). However, one study suggests pigeons can cover short distances outside of city limits, less than 10 km (Rose et al. 2006), and another proposes that feral pigeons characteristically have short (less than 0.1 km) natal dispersal distances (Johnston and Janiga 1995). ...
Pigeon (Columba livia) abundance in urban environments can result in human-wildlife conflicts such as excrement exposure, disease risk, and nuisance behaviour. Traditional methods of pigeon control (i.e., netting, spikes, lethal control, flying raptors) rely on exclusion and removal principles, which are not effective in the long-term.
... Nicarbazin is the only contraceptive currently registered in the United States for birds and it can be used to target rock doves, European starlings, and common mynas (Avery et al. 2008a;USEPA 2022). Nicarbazin is effective in aviary settings for rock doves (Avery et al. 2008a) and eared doves (Olivera et al. 2021) but varied in its ability to reduce feral rock dove populations (Giunchi et al. 2007;Albonetti et al. 2015;Senar et al. 2021). ...
... Nicarbazin is the only contraceptive currently registered in the United States for birds and it can be used to target rock doves, European starlings, and common mynas (Avery et al. 2008a;USEPA 2022). Nicarbazin is effective in aviary settings for rock doves (Avery et al. 2008a) and eared doves (Olivera et al. 2021) but varied in its ability to reduce feral rock dove populations (Giunchi et al. 2007;Albonetti et al. 2015;Senar et al. 2021). ...
... Nicarbazin is the only contraceptive currently registered in the United States for birds and it can be used to target rock doves, European starlings, and common mynas (Avery et al. 2008a;USEPA 2022). Nicarbazin is effective in aviary settings for rock doves (Avery et al. 2008a) and eared doves (Olivera et al. 2021) but varied in its ability to reduce feral rock dove populations (Giunchi et al. 2007;Albonetti et al. 2015;Senar et al. 2021). ...
... Nicarbazin is the only contraceptive currently registered in the United States for birds and it can be used to target rock doves, European starlings, and common mynas (Avery et al. 2008a;USEPA 2022). Nicarbazin is effective in aviary settings for rock doves (Avery et al. 2008a) and eared doves (Olivera et al. 2021) but varied in its ability to reduce feral rock dove populations (Giunchi et al. 2007;Albonetti et al. 2015;Senar et al. 2021). ...
... Nicarbazin is the only contraceptive currently registered in the United States for birds and it can be used to target rock doves, European starlings, and common mynas (Avery et al. 2008a;USEPA 2022). Nicarbazin is effective in aviary settings for rock doves (Avery et al. 2008a) and eared doves (Olivera et al. 2021) but varied in its ability to reduce feral rock dove populations (Giunchi et al. 2007;Albonetti et al. 2015;Senar et al. 2021). ...
... Nicarbazin is the only contraceptive currently registered in the United States for birds and it can be used to target rock doves, European starlings, and common mynas (Avery et al. 2008a;USEPA 2022). Nicarbazin is effective in aviary settings for rock doves (Avery et al. 2008a) and eared doves (Olivera et al. 2021) but varied in its ability to reduce feral rock dove populations (Giunchi et al. 2007;Albonetti et al. 2015;Senar et al. 2021). ...
Invasive birds cause damage to economies, natural resources, and human safety across the globe. In the United States, rose-ringed parakeets (Psittacula krameri), monk parakeets (Myiopsitta monachus), European starlings (Sturnus vulgaris), common mynas (Acridotheres tristis), rock doves (Columba livia), Eurasian collared doves (Streptopelia decaocto), and house sparrows (Passer domesticus) are among the invasive and often harmful small-bodied birds inhabiting periurban habitats. The destructive nature of these species warrants a review of methods to reduce or eradicate populations along with methods to reduce damage when population eradication cannot be achieved. We reviewed damage management literature from these species’ native and introduced ranges. Additionally, we used the behavior and ecology of these species to inform tool recommendations and potential efficacy under various damage scenarios, while being sensitive to cultural preferences and location of implementation (residential, commercial, and agricultural). Although this review focuses on invasive birds in the United States, it is applicable to other pest species across the globe. Our review highlights areas where research is needed to validate promising damage management methods (lethal control, fertility control, habitat modification, exclusionary methods, frightening devices, and chemical repellents). Where birds are invasive, integrated pest management techniques should focus on eradication or population reduction (toxicants, shooting, and trapping) to keep populations at levels where nonlethal tools can reduce damage. We acknowledge the efficacy of an eradication campaign depends on biological, environmental, and economic factors, along with social license for lethal removal. We recommend integrated pest management strategies including lethal and nonlethal tools specific to the damage problem. Sustained efforts to reduce invasive populations should be used along with integrated deterrent strategies for short-term damage relief.
... domestica) is perfectly adapted to city habitats and is one of the most common bird species in cities across the globe [1]. Factors associated with the success of this species include the rapid incorporation of young into the breeding population (young become sexually active at six months of age) [2], an extended breeding 2 of 11 season that covers the entire year [3], high availability of food in urban areas [4][5][6], and low predation rates [7][8][9][10][11]. The global population of Feral Pigeons is estimated to comprise between 165 and 330 million individuals [12]. ...
... In our study, we focused our attention on two factors as the main modulators of the recolonisation process: the distance to a source area and the exhaustiveness of the control programmes. We should not, however, exclude the existence of other factors that could also affect recovery time, such as food availability in general and feeding by humans in particular [5] The recovery of Feral Pigeon colonies that have been subjected to control measures occurs due to a high reproductive rate in the remaining colony (resulting from high levels of recruitment of young Pigeons), the early incorporation of young Pigeons into the breeding colony, an extended breeding season (which lasts for the entire year), and low predation rates [2,3,7,47]. Nevertheless, reproduction may be limited when a control programme minimises the number of survivors. ...
Today, governments and administrations strive to minimise issues associated with Feral Pigeon (Columbia livia var. domestica) colonies in urban areas. Scientific evidence has demonstrated that control measures are ineffective in the long term, and colonies recover rapidly. Most scientific research has occurred under high‐density circumstances, primarily in large city centres. Moreover, very few studies have been conducted in residential zones or suburban areas where colony densities are lower, but where Feral Pigeons generate the same issues. In this study, we analysed the recovery time of Feral Pigeon colonies in 11 buildings in low‐density urban areas where control campaigns were previously conducted to reduce their abundance. Recovery times were highly variable among the buildings (50–3072 days). Distance to the nearest uncontrolled colony of Feral Pigeons, i.e., a source area, was the primary factor that contributed to recovery time, which significantly increased with increasing distance to source colonies. Thus, buildings closest to the Pigeons’ source areas (<500 m) were recolonised more rapidly than were buildings that were >500 m away from source areas. Our findings highlight the relevance of identifying an effective management unit for the im‐ plementation of control programmes to reduce immigration rates and increase long‐term effects.
... The (2) palatability changes study (2017-2018 non-breeding period) was designed due to some concerns about a lower palatability of the product referred in laboratory conditions [15], which could cause a reduction in the number of pigeons baited in the automatic hopper feeders (AHFs). The study evaluated whether there were differences between the trends in the number of pigeons baited in AHFs with NCZ or control during the non-breeding period, and hence there was no recruitment of juveniles. ...
... In Mediterranean regions, the breeding season is long and can last almost all year, with a spring-summer peak, and the contribution of winter breeding attempts toward the yearly number of fledglings can be up to 41% [4,15]. In 2019, besides the treatment being delayed until April 1st, winter (2018-2019) and spring were unusually mild. ...
This study describes a three-year evaluation (2017–2019) of a fertility control protocol using nicarbazin (Ovistop®) to reduce the abundance of the most conflictive colonies of feral pigeon, Columba livia var. domestica, in Barcelona, Spain, as a long-term strategy based on animal welfare. The treatment was supplied to 34 pigeon colonies by automatic hopper feeders installed in public areas. A superiority study and a population monitoring study were carried out to evaluate differences in the abundance of the colonies, as well as the proportion of juveniles, the possible intake of nicarbazin by non-target species and the movement of individuals among colonies. The results showed statistical differences in the population trends between the test (−22.03%) and control (+12.86%) groups, and a significant steady decreasing trend in the pigeon abundance (−55.26%) was registered until the end of 2019. The proportion of juveniles was significatively lower in the test colonies, and a non-target species (Eurasian collared doves, Streptopelia decaocto) was observed consuming in a residual form. The protocol using nicarbazin is able to both control the abundance of pigeons, with no impact over non-target species, and respond to the public interest about animal welfare by providing an ethical method to manage overabundant and/or conflictive populations.
... If this has not been taken into account previously, suitability of the habitat for pigeons should be reduced through manipulation of their required resources and conditions. We can limit the accessibility of roost and nest sites by applying exclusions such as anti-bird netting or decrease their attractiveness by using a variety of bird scaring techniques, visual, audio, chemical or mechanical solutions; and finally, birth control, trapping and culling could also be considered (Dobeic et al. 2011;Giunchi et al. 2007;Hutton and Dobson 1993). ...
The development of cities and urban sprawl has made room for wildlife inhabiting human environments. Among birds, feral pigeons (Columba livia domestica) are often present in large numbers in the cities. Problems related to pigeon occurrence result in economic loss and health issues for humans. There are different methods of controlling pigeon populations in urban areas. In this study, we compared three techniques that can be used for pigeon pest control. In two urban industrial sites in Hungary, we used trapping, falconry (in both Study Area 1 and 2) and mist-netting (only in Study Area 2) to remove pigeons. We compared the effectiveness and limitations of each method. Our results show that over 105 days in Study Area 1, we managed to remove 173 individual pigeons. We did not find a significant difference between the effectiveness of trapping or falconry. In Study Area 2, the overall number of pigeons removed was 1412 over a period of 150 days. There, we managed to catch significantly more birds by netting than by trapping or falconry, but the latter two did not differ statistically. We recommend a combination of techniques for pigeon control. Mist-netting can be the most effective way for direct pigeon removal, whereas trapping is an easier but less efficient method to catch pigeons. Falconry is the least efficient in pigeon catching and requires the most investments, but the bird of prey may chase the pigeons away for a short time.
