Shut-out or sheltered? An evaluation of the feral pigeon (Columba livia domestica) in the context of different management approaches

Feral pigeons (Columba livia domestica) can become very abundant in urban areas, which may lead to humanpigeon conflict. Traditionally, feral pigeons are culled to reduce the population size, yet this practice is regarded as inhumane and an unsustainable management approach. A pigeon shelter, thus a shelter providing suitable nesting sites and regular appropriate feed, is suggested as an animal-friendly alternative. Moreover, shelters provide the possibility for population management by reproductive control through e.g. egg removal. However, monitoring programs or research on the long-term effects of feral pigeon management is scarce. As human populations continue to increase, pigeon populations are expected to increase as well. The emerging conflicts
require appropriate and scientifically grounded management. To gain insight into the current situation and management of feral pigeon in the Netherlands, we investigated the density and health of feral pigeons in three Dutch cities (Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Utrecht). Only in Rotterdam two pigeon shelters are currently installed. Using distance sampling the density of the feral pigeon populations were determined and a health scoring based on external characteristics was applied to obtain an indicator of the general pigeon health. We expected to observe the lowest pigeon density and best pigeon health in Rotterdam, yet the results indicated the lowest density and best pigeon health to be present in Utrecht. The implications of these results on the management and the potential presence of a ‘pigeon problem’ in The Netherlands are discussed. As longitudinal data are missing we cannot confirm or reject the effect of the pigeon shelter. However, interviews with the representatives of the municipalities indicated that the shelter may be beneficial by decreasing the negative perception of the feral pigeon. This study provides reference values for future monitoring- and research purposes, and implicates how perception of a nuisance animal can affect its management.