"Don't Kill, Use Contraceptives"... The Truth Behind 'Troublesome' Pigeon and Wild Boar Feed

Discussion on Humane Contraceptive Measures Instead of Culling
Emerging as an Alternative Amid Atmosphere Restricting Poisons and Traps

Controlling the population of wild animals, including pigeons, has emerged as a global issue that needs to be addressed. In particular, pigeon droppings, which are full of ammonia, not only damage the appearance of monuments and buildings but also pose a risk of structural collapse. In response, scientists are conducting experiments to reduce the numbers of wild animals whose populations are explosively increasing, such as pigeons, by administering 'contraceptives.' On the 18th (local time), the UK Guardian reported that at a conference on wildlife reproductive control held at the University of York in the UK, scientists discussed humane contraceptive measures instead of culling.

Pigeon droppings filled with ammonia not only damage monuments and building exteriors but also pose a significant risk of structural collapse.
[Photo by Hyunmin Kim kimhyun81@]

The Guardian explained that experts are considering methods where contraceptive-laced grains or hazelnut cream are placed in bait boxes or special feeders for animals to consume. In particular, in the UK, the grey squirrel has recently become a nuisance by pushing the native red squirrel toward extinction and damaging forests by stripping tree bark. Authorities estimate that annual wood losses amount to 37 million pounds in England and Wales alone. Because of this, scientists are distributing food containing oral contraceptives in feeders equipped with doors that only the larger grey squirrels can open, and the Guardian added that this method is showing actual effectiveness.

While the UK is trying to reduce the grey squirrel population, Toronto, Canada, is conducting experiments to reduce the number of pigeons overflowing in urban areas by using infertile feed to lower pigeon numbers. The contraceptives that suppress pigeon hatching can be administered manually or through automatic feeders. Experts believe that if this solution succeeds, it will become easier to manage the populations of other animals such as squirrels, wild boars, deer, goats, and rats in the future.

Regarding reducing pigeon populations, Dr. Marco Felicari of the University of Bologna in Italy explained, "It is not surprising that the pigeon population, which can breed up to eight times a year and has an expected lifespan of five years, is rapidly increasing," adding, "Public opinion is shifting toward the need for control due to various problems caused by overbreeding."

"More humane and efficient than culling"

Experts analyze that the aforementioned method is more humane and efficient than killing using traps, guns, or poison. Several countries prohibit the use of poison or traps because they can kill animals other than the target species, and this trend is gradually spreading. Dr. Giovanna Masei of the University of York said, "We are looking for creative methods," explaining, "Traditional methods like culling are inhumane, inefficient, and face increasing public opposition." The University of York plans to hold the first workshop on wildlife reproductive control to discuss methods of delivering contraceptives to pests harmful to agriculture or native habitats.

However, since such infertile feed may potentially disrupt ecosystems, finding a complete method to eliminate these concerns remains a challenge. Additionally, because repeated exposure to infertile feed increases effectiveness, solutions for this must also be found. Furthermore, protests and opposition from animal and environmental organizations regarding wildlife population control remain issues to be resolved in the future.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.