Taking steps to reduce pigeon populations will disrupt the natural food chain in cities
Most urban settlements today like megalopolises, cities and towns were historically wild habitats such as forests or grasslands.
But today, these landscapes have hardly any natural habitat left. Some of our wild avian companions, though, have become household names.
Pigeons have a widespread presence in cities and towns. Across the country, seven species of doves, four species of pigeons and 10 species of green pigeons are found.
The most ubiquitous among them is the rock pigeon or rock dove (Columba livia). These pigeons were bred by human beings for domestication which gave rise to a subspecies (C livia domestica).
In India, Columba livia has reportedly seen a 150 per cent rise in number after the 2000s. In a city like Delhi, several people feed the avian population, primarily pigeons, with grains and other food.
These are signs of people’s tolerance about pigeons and the coexistence of the two species. The fact that pigeons have adjusted to human practices is commendable.
There have been reports of human beings getting infected by Bird Fancier’s Lung or bird breeder’s lung disease, likely transmitted by feeding pigeons or through exposure to their excreta and feathers.
As a result, the birds are now considered a “menace”. However, high numbers do not make the species a menace. Pigeons have a place in the food chain, and there are felines and canines who feed on the birds.
This article is part of a cover story first published in the 16-30 June, 2023 print edition of Down To Earth
Kartick Satyanarayan is co-founder and CEO of Wildlife SOS
Views expressed are the author’s own and don’t necessarily reflect those of Down To Earth
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