A team of ten birds of prey are swooping in to protect the ancient Roman ruins of Pompeii from pesky pigeons that are posing a risk to the archaeological excavations. Gianna and Arya, among others, have been patrolling the site at least three times a week for the past two years. Due to the closure of the park during the COVID lockdown in 2020, pigeons multiplied and began nesting, driving away other species and endangering the ruins with their corrosive droppings. The Archaeological Park of Pompeii has implemented an innovative ecological approach to safeguard the fragile heritage site.
The birds of prey, including owls and hawks, are carefully trained to scare away the pigeons without causing harm to them. This method has proven to be effective in reducing the pigeon population and protecting the ancient structures from damage. The sight of the majestic birds soaring through the sky has also become a popular attraction for visitors to the park.
The use of birds of prey to control the pigeon population is a sustainable and environmentally friendly solution that demonstrates the commitment of the Archaeological Park of Pompeii to preserving the historic site for future generations. The success of this unique approach highlights the importance of innovative conservation efforts in protecting cultural heritage sites around the world. Visitors are encouraged to watch the birds in action and learn more about this fascinating conservation initiative during their visit to Pompeii.
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Photo credit www.euronews.com
