Safe sex for seagulls- Why bird contraception plan in Worcester may not fly

Worcester city councillors are reportedly exploring a controversial new strategy for dealing with the notorious problems posed by seagulls, suggesting the use of contraceptive pills. This idea, likened to “safe sex for seagulls” by Labour councillor Jill Desayrah, draws inspiration from experimental programs aimed at controlling pigeon populations in cities like Barcelona and Venice.

“We’ve seen the numbers of gulls getting out of hand, and something needs to be done,” Desayrah stated. While contraceptives have seen mixed results in controlling various animal populations—including kangaroos, wild horses, and prairie dogs—experts are raising ethical and practical concerns about the proposal.

A representative from the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) highlighted that the common perception of gulls as a rampant pest doesn’t tell the full story. “Many gull species are actually declining, and some are listed as red- or amber-listed, indicating significant conservation concern,” they noted. This includes the herring gull and the lesser black-backed gull, both of which have seen decreases in their populations.

In Blackpole, a potential testing site in Worcester, an annual survey recorded 376 pairs of gulls, primarily lesser black-backed gulls, that are protected by law. The RSPB spokesperson expressed concerns that any measures to control gull populations should be coordinated with Natural England, the government’s wildlife regulator, to avoid unintended consequences.

Moreover, the efficacy of such contraceptives remains in question. For the plan to succeed, gulls would need to consume the pills daily. However, with a plethora of discarded food available in urban areas, experts doubt the likelihood of the birds choosing the treated food over other options. “Gulls are selective eaters. They won’t necessarily eat what you offer them, especially if it’s not appealing,” said Cecilia Soldatini, a senior scientist at La Paz University. Her experiences with gull research in Venice indicate that such approaches can have limited success.

Soldatini also pointed out that gulls have a wide feeding range, often traveling several miles to find food. The key to managing their populations, she argues, lies in reducing the food available to them, emphasizing the importance of proper waste management.

Dr. Giovanna Massei from the University of York and director of the Botstiber Institute for Wildlife Fertility Control, stressed the need for rigorous research before any contraceptive measures are implemented. “Effective studies should be funded to ensure we fully understand the impacts before proceeding,” she urged.

Kay Haw, director of UK Squirrel Accord, mentioned the methods being developed for other species, such as injectable contraceptives for wild horses, but acknowledged the lengthy and complex process involved. “You can’t just roll out a plan without extensive groundwork,” she noted.

A spokesperson for Worcester city council confirmed that a detailed report on gull management will be presented to the environment committee on November 5, providing an opportunity for councillors to discuss potential strategies for 2025.