With the rise of modern buildings in Malta, will pigeon populations begin to decline?
The abundance of feral pigeons (also known as street pigeons) that are found in Malta are mostly affected by the type of architecture surrounding them, according to a study published in science journal .
Research suggests that pigeons may spread a variety of infections, including viruses, bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and other parasites. As a result, they are frequently seen to be a hazard to human and domestic animal health. In order to ascertain which aspects of urban environments have the most impact on feral pigeon abundance, this study focused on determining the variables that affect the number and dispersion of feral pigeons in various urban contexts in Malta. This is the first local research project of its sort.
Fifteen towns from the five districts in Malta which are known to be inhabited by pigeons were chosen. In each of these districts, five different types of environments were considered: main road (town centre), side street (residential areas off the town centre), suburb (residential areas on periphery of town, park (public open spaces within town) and agricultural (open spaces at periphery of town and adjacent to agricultural areas). Data was collected by conducting walking transects of 300m in each of the environments, noting several variables like the number of people and vehicles present, old buildings, modern buildings, abandoned buildings and trees. When a pigeon was detected the perpendicular distance of the animal to the transect line was measured.
Statistical analysis was used to investigate the results. The largest population of pigeons in Malta was found to be in Valletta with the towns surrounding Valletta i.e. Msida and St Julian’s, to also have a high abundance of pigeons. Through distance sampling it was found that pigeons prefer to inhabit main roads and parks, that is in local centres and public open spaces located in the town centres. Such spaces are usually found close to a parish church or chapel, whose architecture offers many opportunities for the pigeons to reproduce. The abundance of restaurants and kiosks along major roadways also tends to meet the need for food, which is also one of the birds' fundamental needs. Water is usually obtained from rainwater puddles, from moisture in the food and/or water fountains that may be found in these town centres.
The relationship between feral pigeon abundance and urban environmental variables was also studied. “the abundance of feral pigeons is mostly affected by the presence of modern buildings and the relationship is a negative one i.e., abundance is low where there is a preponderance of modern buildings.”, the authors of the study concluded.
This study establishes the groundwork for future studies on feral pigeon populations and their ecology in urban settings. It also provides information for management plans that are specifically tailored to the region's conditions. The study was conducted by Cassandra Borg Muscat, Dr Fiona Sammut and Prof. Patrick J. Schembri from the University of Malta and published by the Malta Chamber of Scientist’s science journal Xjenza Online.
This is a press release sent by the Malta Chamber of Scientists (MCS)
