Innovations in fauna management

Client:Province of Utrecht

CategoryRural Areas

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.

What was the problem?

In the province of Utrecht, there is frequent nuisance caused by geese, which leads to damage to crops and natural areas. Traditionally, deterrence through supportive culling and population management has been used to limit wildlife damage. The urgency of addressing goose damage is highlighted by the compensation amounts paid: in 2020, the province of Utrecht paid out over 1.6 million euros for wildlife damage caused by geese. The amount of compensation for goose-related damage has been increasing significantly each year, demonstrating the importance of effective fauna management. At the same time, the province of Utrecht is focused on reducing the use of lethal methods in fauna management.

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.

Area-based approach and innovation

In addition to identifying innovative methods for fauna management, guidelines for an area-based approach were developed, and innovation within goose deterrence and repulsion was examined. The key insights are summarized below:

  • An area-based approach for scaling up innovative methods
    This approach is suitable for scaling up the use of innovative methods. The aim is to build support among land users, hunters, and other stakeholders for these methods. The core idea is that land users within a region collaborate effectively with each other and with other stakeholders to determine which combination of deterrent and repulsion methods to employ. The report includes a blueprint for such an area-based approach, with a concrete proposal for a pilot project.
  • Stimulating innovation in goose deterrence and repulsion
    Within the current fauna management and compensation scheme, land users have little incentive to adopt (innovative) deterrent and repulsion methods. This results in limited use of innovative methods and little demand for the development of new methods. This dynamic leads to generally low levels of innovation in goose deterrence and repulsion. Recommendations for fostering a positive innovation culture are outlined in the report.
  • Sufficient goose rest areas needed for effective deterrence and repulsion
    To achieve effective repulsion, it is crucial that there are enough rest areas available in the vicinity where the geese can relocate when they are being deterred from one location.
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