In 2022, a study was conducted for the province of Utrecht on innovations in fauna management, specifically focusing on goose deterrence and repulsion. The central question was which innovative methods for goose deterrence and repulsion are available and how the province of Utrecht can encourage the use of innovative, non-lethal methods to prevent wildlife damage.
How was this approach taken?
A list of innovative methods was developed from a set of 77 publications, supplemented by expert assessments. These methods were evaluated using an innovation potential model. This model guided the literature review, interviews with field experts, and focus group meetings. The emphasis was placed on two aspects: the ecological effectiveness of the innovation and its economic viability.
A focus group was formed in collaboration with the province of Utrecht to build support for the research. The focus group included participants from BIJ12, LTO, the Animal Protection Society, Bird Protection, State Forestry, Utrechts Particulier Grondbezit, the Fauna Management Unit Utrecht, and the Agricultural Nature Association. In addition to validating the analyses, the focus group also helped determine the direction of the research.
The research used a funnel approach, continually refining the set of promising methods in consultation with the client and stakeholders (see Part 2 of the report). Additionally, several elements were incorporated into the study. Based on discussions with stakeholders and the needs expressed by the focus group, a blueprint for a regional approach was developed (see Part 3 of the report). Recommendations regarding innovation culture stem from the finding that the level of innovation in goose deterrence and repulsion is low (see Part 4 of the report).
Innovative approaches to fauna management
From a set of 23 potentially promising innovative methods for goose deterrence and repulsion, four methods were assessed as particularly promising. These methods are:
- Acoustic detection and deterrence using Bird Alert
- Repulsion using Border Collies
- Visual deterrence through Automatic Lasers
- Visual and acoustic deterrence using the Object-Association Method
It is important to note that wildlife damage cannot be prevented by applying just one method alone: a combination of methods will need to be employed for maximum effectiveness.