Urban Environment Use by Speckled (Columba Guinea) and Feral (Columba Livia) Pigeons on the University of South Africa’s Muckleneuk Campus

Abstract

Abstract.A study on a population of speckled Columba guinea and feral Columba livia pigeons on the University of South Africa's (UNISA) Muckleneuk campus was conducted from March 2013 to February 2014. Morning and evening counts, once a week, were conducted by an observer who also noted the presence of breeding activity and the use of ledges in relation to aspect and levels of buildings. The pigeon population index fluctuated seasonally. Breeding occurred throughout the year, with notable peaks and declines relating to physiological and population dynamics. Opportunistic use of the crop availability was made during optimal production periods, while conserving energy when not favourable. Site selection in relation to building aspect indicated significant differences in all the seasons except for winter, while a positive significant relationship between level height and pigeon numbers was recorded. Knowledge of pigeon ecology and their use of urban landscapes contribute to further understanding wildlife management.

Human activities and landscape features interact to closely define the distribution and dispersal of an urban commensal

“…A high‐rise landscape is favorable as it superficially resembles rock pigeons’ natural habitats of rock faces, caves, and cliffs (Gibbs, Barnes, & Cox, ). Tall buildings allow pigeons to roost and nest at their preferential heights (>20 m) above ground to avoid predation and other disturbances (Haag‐Wackernagel & Geigenfeind, ; Harris, De Crom, Labuschagne, & Wilson, ; Pikula, Beklová, & Kubik, ). Therefore, high‐rise buildings are capable of providing preferable nesting conditions, accommodating fairly large quantities of rock pigeons.…”

Visual deterrents and physical barriers as non-lethal pigeon control on University of South Africa’s Muckleneuk campus

“…Wildlife regularly makes decisions that are crucial to their survival and fitness (Conradt and Roper 2005). This was evident with the pigeons on the Muckleneuk campus as the population index on the campus buildings were found to be inversely related to the availability of their main food source, agricultural crops (Harris et al 2016). Pigeons on campus rather directed their energy into foraging locally than travelling to surrounding agricultural areas in spring due to the limited crop availability (Harris et al 2016).…”

“…Climatic conditions, environmental changes and food availability all have an influence on the behaviour of pigeons and their subsequent tolerance of control structures. The efficacy of structures was found to increase during the warmer months corresponding with the natural pigeon population index fluctuation on campus (spring ( = 365 pigeons; SE = 4) and summer ( = 367 pigeons; SE = 8) seasons in comparison to the autumn ( = 342 pigeons; SE = 8) and winter ( = 300 pigeons; SE = 3) seasons) (Harris et al 2016). Pigeons on the Muckleneuk campus which breed year-round with a peak between July and October (Harris et al 2016), indicated a higher tenacity for tolerating the control structures in spring.…”

“…The efficacy of structures was found to increase during the warmer months corresponding with the natural pigeon population index fluctuation on campus (spring ( = 365 pigeons; SE = 4) and summer ( = 367 pigeons; SE = 8) seasons in comparison to the autumn ( = 342 pigeons; SE = 8) and winter ( = 300 pigeons; SE = 3) seasons) (Harris et al 2016). Pigeons on the Muckleneuk campus which breed year-round with a peak between July and October (Harris et al 2016), indicated a higher tenacity for tolerating the control structures in spring. According to Curio and Regelmann (1983), there is a trade-off between conflicting demands in great tits, and this study too found that pigeons on campus were willing to endure the discomfort of deterrents in order to rear their young.…”

“…According to Pulliam (1976) and McCleery (1978), different behavioural options of wildlife result in a continual shift in relative costs and benefits. Due to the colder temperatures, pigeons were hidden as a result of thermal factors (Harris et al 2016) and consequentially also from the observer. Autumn also coincides with a biologically important season in the pigeon life cycle, namely moulting.…”