Raptor Human Coexistence to Combat and Regulate Pest
Author: Donovan Salvana
Faculty Supervisor: Jaime A. Chaves
Department: Biology
Pigeons are usually preferred prey of several raptor species, and their numbers are usually in control by these predators. However, pigeon populations in the urban sites (e.g., cities) have increased and even become a human health problem. This increase could be related to the abundance of resources of human origin, but it could also be be the result of a decrease (or lack of) raptors in these areas. However little is known about raptor abundances in cities and how these result in prey abundance. Comparing raptor abundance of theses two groups across urban and non-urban landscapes will elucidate this relationship, and potentially reinforce the need to reintroduce these raptors as a control measure in cities. By acquiring population data of pigeons and raptors both in the wild using online resources such as eBird or Christmas Bird counts, we can compare to data from patterns in response to each other. The outcome of this relationship data will determine if the reintroduction of these natural predators are beneficial.