The untouchables … dive in seagull numbers spares menace from chop

Published on Wednesday 22 July 2009 21:58

THEY have become an ever- increasing menace in towns and cities, attacking people and pets as they scavenge for food.

But now The Scotsman can reveal that measures to control the growth in seagull numbers will have to be revised after one of the most common species was given special protection.

The herring gull, one of the most prolific seabirds found in our towns, has been placed on the UK's Red List of species of high conservation concern – meaning they need to be conserved rather than controlled.

This is because even though the numbers of gulls seem to be growing in towns, overall numbers in the UK have plummeted by around 70 per cent since 1970.

Experts have said that councils will now have to reconsider actions aimed at reducing the numbers of gulls in towns, such as destroying nests and eggs.

Local authorities planning to cull herring gulls will need to provide strong evidence of public health or safety factors – rather than simply claim the birds are a nuisance.

The status of our native birds is periodically reviewed in a joint effort by all of the main UK conservation groups. Species are placed on green, amber and red lists according to the degree of concern for their populations. In the 2009 review, herring gulls have been moved onto the highest conservation Red List.

Dr Andy Douse, chief ornithologist for Scottish Natural Heritage, told The Scotsman that SNH would need "a very strong evidence base indeed for any lethal control methods to be undertaken on herring gulls".

Keith Morton, of RSPB Scotland, said that while RSPB recognised that urban nesting gulls can cause real problems for householders and local authorities "some of the intolerance is irrational and these birds should not be demonised".

About 8 per cent of herring gulls in Scotland nest in urban areas. In Aberdeen alone there are more than 3,000 breeding pairs, representing the majority of those found in the city.

Across the country beleaguered local authorities have tried many methods to deter the birds by putting wires, spikes, or sticky pastes on buildings, or trying to frighten them with loud noises or flying falcons.

Removing nests, eggs or chicks or culling adult birds is also carried out in some cases, but these techniques are likely to come into conflict with the new conservation status of herring gulls.

Up to now the control of herring gulls has been covered by a general licence, leaving councils almost free rein to tackle the problems.

However, a consultation on removal of the herring gull from the general licence is already under way in England, and the situation is being closely monitored in Scotland.

A spokeswoman for Aberdeen Council told The Scotsman that in the light of its new conservation status: "We are now reviewing our policy and procedures for herring gull control".

Just last year then environment minister Mike Russell launched a new task force to destroy nests in Dumfries.

He promised to be "tough on seagulls and tough on the causes of seagulls", calling them a "menace".

A spokesman for Dumfries Council said it would now be revising its policies, possibly leaving herring gulls alone and targeting control at lesser black- back gulls.

The reason for the drop in numbers of herring gulls over the past quarter of a century is not known. Several other seabird species, especially inshore species, have also declined but not so dramatically as herring gulls.

"The extent of this herring gull decline has taken us by surprise' said Dr Douse. "It signals a major change in the ecology our coastal environment that we do not fully understand".

BIRDS WITH TOP BILLING

THERE are two species of gull commonly nesting in towns in Scotland.

&#149 THE HERRING GULL

Has a white head, yellow bill, pale grey back and pink legs. In the 2000 census over 70,000 pairs nested in Scotland. Urban breeding colonies occur all down the east coast and in Aberdeen numbers are running into thousands.

&#149 THE LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL

Slightly smaller than the herring gull with a much darker slate-grey back and bright-yellow legs. In 2000, over 21,000 pairs nested in Scotland, with over 1,500 pairs recorded in Glasgow.