Domestication of the pigeon. Wild rock doves (Columba livia) are the ancestors of our domestic pigeons. Rock doves have been domesticated for several thousand years, giving rise to Columba livia domestica. The wild ancestors were captured by humans and domesticated for different purposes, such as as food, exotic breeds, sports (the homing pigeon), and work (carrier pigeon). Many domestic birds have escaped or have been released ever since, and have given rise to the feral pigeon. These feral pigeons are found in large numbers in cities and towns all over the world, where they find food and sheltered nesting opportunities. Rock doves live 10-15 years, city pigeons 2-3 years.

While the current rock dove population size is decreasing (according IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™), the domestic city pigeon has become a nuisance in many places due to the sheer size of its population. The decreasing population trend of the pure wild species is partly due to interbreeding with their feral domesticated conspecifics.

Problems with city pigeons. Pigeons are well adapted to urban environments. They find plenty of food and there are no natural enemies. It is not just the size of the flocks and the droppings of city pigeons on buildings that is a problem, but the fear of the transfer of dangerous micro-organisms to humans that is considered an issue that needs to be addressed as well. Human contact with pigeon droppings may pose a small health risk, in fact only three human diseases caused by infectious agents are known to be associated with pigeon droppings: histoplasmosis, cryptococcosis, and psittacosis1. Nevertheless in most cities pigeons are considered a nuisance. Various measures are applied to decrease the population size of the feral city pigeons. The measures range from feeding bans, mechanical defences such as nets, needles and wires as a landing obstacle, shooting, poisoning, avian contraceptives, to the active hunt by falconers.

History of the Bernese pigeons. 20 years ago, the city of Bern experienced a pigeon plague. More than 10,000 pigeons populated the residential area of the city of Bern. As a result, pigeon management has been established, which has had a positive effect: the pigeon population currently adds up to around 500 birds. But the pigeon caretaker, who was in charge of the bird management for more than 20 years, had given up his work in spring 2011. Tierpark Dählhölzli has officially been appointed to take charge of the new approach of the management of the city pigeons of Bern in June 2011.

New approach to reduce the pigeon population. Authorities often apply measures that impair animal welfare to keep the feral pigeon population at bay, such as shooting or poisoning the animals. Since 2011 the city of Bern is approaching the problem in a more animal friendly way.

With the help of Tierpark Dählhölzli a newly developed pigeon management concept is adopted that regulates the care, support and management of the pigeons. Within the new framework the city pigeons not only receive a well-balanced appropriate compound feed in their pigeon nests, while the pigeon population is reduced and made healthier. As many pigeons as possible are captured and brought to the Tierpark where they are treated against ectoparasites. Moreover, they have an endoscopic check-up under full anaesthesia. When a pigeon shows severe health problems it is put down. During the procedure male pigeons are sterilised, which apparently has no effect on their courtship behaviour. After full recovery all pigeons are released again. In addition, the new concept ensures official contact points for people to address ‘pigeon issues’.

(Source: website Dählhölzli; Swissinfo.ch, 19.03.2012; Wikipedia; 1NYC-Health – Facts about pigeon-related diseases)