Following years of targeted pigeon control efforts,city officials announced plans today to repurpose two existing pigeon lofts beginning January 1,2026. The decision, stemming from a recent ecological study, reflects a notable decrease in the local pigeon population attributed to improved waste management and public awareness campaigns. The move highlights a growing trend in urban wildlife management – balancing public health with species conservation, and in this case, providing new habitat for Switzerland’s declining bat populations [[number]].
City officials are planning to repurpose two pigeon lofts, beginning January 1, 2026, as part of a long-term strategy to manage the urban bird population. This decision follows a comprehensive review of pigeon control measures implemented since 2010, and reflects a significant decline in the number of pigeons in the area. Understanding how cities manage wildlife populations is important for maintaining public health and minimizing potential disease transmission.
Originally installed in 2014 and 2015 at the Temple and Perdtemps sites, the lofts were intended to concentrate pigeon populations in designated areas, reducing their presence in more problematic sectors of the city. However, a recent ecological study commissioned last summer found the lofts are no longer essential. The report attributes the decrease in pigeon numbers to more effective urban waste management, successful campaigns discouraging public feeding, and the occurrence of viral diseases within the pigeon population.
The municipality’s decision will also result in cost savings related to the upkeep and management of the structures. At the Perdtemps location, the loft will either be dismantled or repurposed, depending on feasibility. The space currently occupied by pigeons at the Temple site will be redesigned to provide habitat for bats, supporting a species facing widespread threats in Switzerland.
To prevent future pigeon gatherings and address issues related to jackdaws, officials will install a peregrine falcon nesting box within the city. Recommended by an ornithologist, the nesting box is intended to encourage the presence of this natural predator, promoting a more balanced distribution of bird populations in urban areas. Introducing natural predators can be an effective, environmentally-friendly approach to wildlife management.
