Pompeii, two birds of prey hired at the Archaeological Park to ward off pigeons

A hawk and a buzzard will protect the remains of the city of Pompeii from the majesty of the sky. But they will not defend them from people, but from pigeons and their droppings. It may raise eyebrows, but the natural method chosen to ward off pigeons that insistently try to nest or station themselves in the ancient city is that of the two birds of prey trained to spot pigeons and make them run away.Ansa reports this, complete with photos of Gianna and Aria, the names of the two birds.

The measure is necessary because archaeological excavations could be damaged by guano, which is corrosive and acid-rich, and thus poses a threat to the integrity of the artifacts and frescoes. We rely on the instincts of the animal hierarchy where predators simulating attacks by hunting will scare the pigeons away. In the long run, garrisoning the place will stop returning and nesting.

“The flight of the raptors, which have become winged guardians of the excavations, is a fascinating sight,” writes Ansa, which continues: “Their dark silhouettes, silhouetted against the sky, are a clear warning sign for winged intruders. Their every appearance is a veritable ballet between heaven and earth, an aerial dance aimed at protecting an invaluable heritage.”

Introduced two years ago, the project is moving forward bringing the hoped-for results without therefore having to use the other systems usually employed (noise, etc.). This is explained by the project’s technical managers, biotechnologist Paola Barile and her assistant Pasquale Giorgio, who emphasize the importance of an integrated approach to the protection of cultural heritage: “Falconry is a valuable tool for the preservation of Pompeii’s excavations, but it is only one of the many actions we are putting in place. Our priority is to ensure the preservation of this extraordinary archaeological site for future generations.”

Pompeii, two birds of prey hired at the Archaeological Park to ward off pigeons

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