Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1544723
4 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 3 MAY 2026 OPINION PIGEON culling is often pro- posed as a solution to overpop- ulation, property damage and possible health risks. However, research and similar case stud- ies to the situation in Malta have shown that this proposed solution is, in fact counterpro- ductive. One must understand that the idea of pigeon culling, rather than being a solution, is more of a quick and ineffective approach to an animal which has now be- come vastly misunderstood, feared and even loathed for mis- guided reasons. This attitude towards pigeons is probably the result of the fact that they are easily visible in large numbers. The main reason why pigeon culling fails is due to the pi- geon's ability to adapt in most environments and easily repro- duce, especially when there is a decrease in population density. It has been shown that pigeons' breeding rates actually increase if faced by such a decrease, both due to the possibility of greater access to food and also migra- tion from surrounding areas, which fills the void caused by culling. This is what is known as compensatory reproduction, and which leads to pigeon pop- ulations rebounding quickly. To maintain at least a temporary reduction, culling must take place indefinitely, which is a very expensive and ultimately ineffective procedure. This, in fact, happened in Bar- celona, where over 225,000 pi- geons were killed between 1991 and 2006 (an average of 15,000 birds per year), only to later re- alise that over time pigeon pop- ulations increased to 250,000 from 180,000. It is estimated that within months the culled population will settle back to the original number. This is be- cause culling does not address essential factors such as food availability. Pigeon culling is also strongly favoured by those who believe that pigeons are carriers of disease, yet all evidence points towards the fact that this is far from reality. Transmission from pigeons to humans is extremely rare and any risk only arises in cases of direct and prolonged exposure to heavily contaminat- ed environments. This is not the reality in today's urban settings. Many perceive pigeons as 'rats with wings', yet this is simply a cultural construct based on no scientific evidence at all. Pi- geon droppings pose a far lesser health risk than the risks and dangers created by air pollution and industrial contamination. Droppings are an aesthetic nui- sance but not a threat to health. Hence, proper cleaning prac- tices and building design can manage this effectively without harming the animal itself. It is a fact that air pollution contrib- utes to millions of deaths a year, yet infections linked to pigeons are statistically negligible. We must also not forget that the presence of pigeons in cities and towns is a direct outcome of human intervention and his- tory, as they are descendants of domesticated birds spread by humans. Moreover, culling of- ten involves prolonged suffering which, hopefully, is something which is contrary to public sen- timent. The ecological effects of pi- geon culling are also unknown. To draw parallels, in the late 1950s China carried out the Four Pests Campaign which sought to exterminate rats, flies, mosquitoes and sparrows, the latter because it was believed they consumed large quantities of grain, damaging agricultural yields. As a result of this cam- paign, sparrows were nearly eradicated and yet this had dis- astrous effects as it overlooked the sparrows' crucial ecological role in controlling insect popu- lations. Hence, locusts and oth- er crop eating insects multiplied uncontrollably, devastating har- vests. It's now well accepted that the eradication of sparrows greatly worsened the Great Famine of 1959-1961, which caused tens of millions of deaths. In the af- termath, China even imported sparrows to restore ecological balance. Moreover, pigeons have also served as a great help to us hu- mans, the most notable exam- ple of this being the essential role in communications during WWI and WWII, serving as messengers. In fact, they most often provided the most relia- ble method of sending messages across trenches, battlefields and even naval crews. Pigeons such as Cher Ami delivered lifesaving messages despite suffering great injuries. Despite being shot, blinded in one eye and losing a leg, Cher Ami managed to deliver a cru- cial message which saved nearly 200 American soldiers. Many pigeons were decorated for their bravery at the time. It is important to provide al- ternatives to pigeon culling. En- forcing restricted feeding and improving waste management, as well as using contraceptive methods, are the most effective and sustainable alternative to pigeon culling. They are more economically viable as well. In- stalling deterrents on ledges may also help to reduce nest- ing opportunities. A move away from culling is a must. Paul C. Saliba Culling is an ineffective means of controlling pigeon populations We must also not forget that the presence of pigeons in cities and towns is a direct outcome of human intervention and history, as they are descendants of domesticated birds spread by humans