Elche explores using birds of prey to curb pigeon population
The birds are destroying the city’s picturesque buildings and posing a major health threat
Elche, like so many other popular parts of Spain, is facing a persistent problem: an overpopulation of pigeons. These birds, once considered a charming presence on the city’s streets, have become a nuisance, causing damage to historic buildings and posing health risks to residents and holidaymakers.
The Animal Welfare Department, led by Councillor Inma Mora, has been working to address the issue but so far, their efforts have been met with limited success.
One of the main challenges is that pigeons have adapted remarkably well to city life.
"They have an enormous adaptation to cities if they easily find food and water, and there and places to nest, especially in old buildings where they are hardly disturbed," she explained.
The birds' excellent memory also means they can recall where to find food, making them a frequent presence in areas where locals and visitors gather, like the Municipal Park.
Despite awareness campaigns and fines for feeding the pigeons, the birds continue to thrive and their presence is becoming increasingly problematic.
The city has also considered using sterilising feed, but Councillor Mora pointed that "there are no studies that support results. This would require research in which specific specimens are monitored. We do not know what impact it could have in Elche."
Additionally, animal associations have rejected this approach over concerns that other birds might consume the feed.
In light of these challenges, Elche City Council is exploring an unconventional solution: using birds of prey to control the pigeon population. While it's still in the early stages, the idea has already shown promise, with some birds of prey, such as kestrels, already present in the urban area.
Other predatory species, like the impressive peregrine falcon, the booted eagle, the black kite and the goshawk are also known to thrive in cities without causing any destruction.
The problem of pigeon overpopulation is not unique to Elche, but the city's historic buildings and monuments make it a particularly pressing issue. The pigeons' acidic droppings, known as guano, can cause significant damage to construction materials and their presence is also linked to diseases such as cryptococcosis and salmonellosis.
For now, no definite decision has been made, but Elche will continue to explore innovative solutions to the pigeon problem, including the potential use of birds of prey.
Image: Archive
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