Poisoned pigeons and the affected wildlife...

Recently the wildlife officers have had to deal with an influx pigeons that were found on the ground, some having seizures and others, unresponsive. These were mostly in the Napier CBD but some have come from other areas as well. (the picture shows only a small handful of the birds that come in)

We see this often throughout the year but these cases were particularly bad as there has also been a direct impact on some Native species of bird as well. Kereru in particular are especially susceptible as, like the common pigeon, will eat what is on offer. In these cases the crops of the birds are full of poisoned whole kernel pieces and peas.

This is very concerning as we work hard to release rehabilitated injured Kereru, only to have some of them return as poisoning cases. Not all of the common pigeons or the Kereru survive these poisonings. In many cases, by the time we see them, they have already succumbed to the poison in their systems.

Ever so slowly the Native bird numbers are increasing in Hawkes Bay, but cases such of these can have a devastating impact on a species.

The suspected poison is Alphachloralose and any user of this has an obligation to minimise it's use and attempt to prevent secondary poisoning to our Native wildlife and anyone else's pets.

We are fully aware that not everybody finds the common pigeon and doves out there nice to have around and we also know that they can be messy and breed in large numbers... BUT

we are also fully aware that some people find it necessary to have to cull the numbers. We strongly urge members of our community to please adhere to the protocols/guidelines set out when using this to control pest numbers.

There are, of course, other methods of control out there. Things like bird repelling spikes for rooftops and kite hawks. Both of these methods can work!