'Safe sex for seagulls' Why plan to give contraception to birds may not fly
The Guardian|October 26, 2024
Their brazen swooping, squawking and chip-snatching has earned seagulls a reputation as a scourge of seaside towns - terrorising tourists and enraging residents.
Hannah Devlin
'Safe sex for seagulls' Why plan to give contraception to birds may not fly

And as the marauding birds have ventured inland and set up urban colonies, towns have deployed netting, spikes and even birds of prey as deterrents. Now Worcester city councillors appear to be contemplating a new front in the battle: bird contraceptives.

The approach, described by the Labour councillor Jill Desayrah as "safe sex for seagulls", is inspired by experimental pigeon-control schemes in Barcelona and Venice.

"I am concerned that increasing numbers of gulls are getting out of hand," Desayrah said, according to a report in the Mirror.

Contraceptives have been used with varying degrees of success as a humane approach to containing rats on the New York subway, as well as populations of kangaroos, wild horses, prairie dogs and grey squirrels. But experts are sceptical about the approach being a risk-free quick fix.

First, the perception of gulls as an out-of-control pest species may not match reality.

"While it may appear as though gull species are thriving because of their increasing numbers in some urban areas, they are not faring well elsewhere," an RSPB spokesperson said. "People will be surprised to learn that many species of gulls are red and amber listed across the UK - the highest levels of conservation concern. Herring gulls and lesser black-backed gulls are both declining nationally."

この記事は The Guardian の October 26, 2024 版に掲載されています。

7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。

この記事は The Guardian の October 26, 2024 版に掲載されています。

7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。

THE GUARDIANのその他の記事すべて表示
Patience finally snapped at Old Trafford after bosses grew tired of the excuses
The Guardian

Patience finally snapped at Old Trafford after bosses grew tired of the excuses

There were plenty of times over the past 14 months when sacking Erik ten Hag would have been justified but Manchester United clung on in the hope he could somehow turn things around.

time-read
3 分  |
October 29, 2024
Ten Hag saga is major black eye for Ineos as United's brand is dying
The Guardian

Ten Hag saga is major black eye for Ineos as United's brand is dying

Ratcliffe now has a hugely important decision if his club are to stop being a fading heritage exhibition

time-read
5 分  |
October 29, 2024
The Guardian

Taking United job would be enormous risk for Amorim

job would be enormous risk for Amorim

time-read
3 分  |
October 29, 2024
The Guardian

A view from the stands Going full Woodward is incompetent or cowardly

It was about half an hour after the final whistle at the FA Cup final when I had my exchange with Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

time-read
2 分  |
October 29, 2024
Van Nistelrooy has learned from the very best coaches
The Guardian

Van Nistelrooy has learned from the very best coaches

Dutchman took inspiration from Bielsa, Ferguson, Simeone and Robson in developing his own style

time-read
4 分  |
October 29, 2024
Rodri and Bonmati scoop top prizes as Real boycott big night
The Guardian

Rodri and Bonmati scoop top prizes as Real boycott big night

Rodri and Aitana Bonmati have been named winners at the 2024 Ballon d'Or at football's annual awards ceremony in Paris, their trophies handed out at the end of a bizarre day in which Real Madrid's delegation opted not to attend.

time-read
2 分  |
October 29, 2024
Stanway: Lionesses must evolve as plateau is 'inevitable'
The Guardian

Stanway: Lionesses must evolve as plateau is 'inevitable'

Georgia Stanway said it is \"inevitable\" that England will plateau after their huge success and that they need to reinvent themselves to avoid becoming predictable.

time-read
2 分  |
October 29, 2024
Everything's starting to come together
The Guardian

Everything's starting to come together

Jack Draper's improvement in his breakthrough season has resulted from his greater fearlessness under pressure

time-read
3 分  |
October 29, 2024
Verstappen's ruthless streak on show again in Norris battle
The Guardian

Verstappen's ruthless streak on show again in Norris battle

Two races and two flashpoints, the world championship battle between Max Verstappen and Lando Norris is in full flow.

time-read
3 分  |
October 29, 2024
Curry poised for England return against All Blacks
The Guardian

Curry poised for England return against All Blacks

Sale flanker expected to start after recovery from hip injury that threatened his career

time-read
3 分  |
October 29, 2024