Density of domestic pigeons (Columba livia domestica Gmelin, 1789) in the new public market of Sincelejo, Sucre, Colombia

Abstract

The present study determined the population density of Columba livia domestica in the new market of Sincelejo, Sucre, Colombia. It is known that, when populations of this species increase excessively, a serious public health problem is created that must be dealt with in order to avoid the transmission of zoonotic diseases. In the city of Sincelejo, especially in the study area, the magnitude of this species' population is unknown, as is the case in many cities in Colombia where this bird has become a serious environmental threat. For ten continuous days, between 06:00 and 08:00, fixed point sampling was used with timed counts; likewise, measurements were taken for the noise levels found in the study area. There were no statistical differences for the population detected in each sampling site for the ten sampling days or the study sites and hours. The estimated population was 257 individuals with a SD= 10.7; the estimated density was 574 ind/km2; the peak noise levels fluctuated between 68.2 and 83.5 decibels. The calculated density was lower when compared to other studies but higher than the density that has been established as harmful for this species in urban populations. During the sampling hours, the noise levels found in the population were high but tolerable. Population studies of this species in urban environments are necessary in order to implement management plans and programs that prevent the possible proliferation of zoonotic diseases.

Keywords

• Abundance
• Columbiformes
• urban environment
• Sucre