What is the most humane way to control 'vermin' species?

Question

Certain species of ianimal have increased in numbers due to us humans changing the landscape in a way that allows them to do so. What is the most humane way to control rabbits, rats, crows, gulls, foxes? It is ultimately our fault that they are so numerous, e.g. extermination of large birds of prey has resulted in far greater numbers of crows, but surely they still have to be controlled in order to try to redress the imbalance in nature?

Answer 1

All of nature consists of immeasurable intricate balances between species. We are in no position to thoroughly manage all of these species.
Rabbits are numerous due to the hunting of foxes (the natural predator), but we hunted the foxes (originally) to protect our stocks of chickens etc. etc. etc.
Since we cannot manage these natural balances, we can only try to assist the species that have been adversely afected by our actions, to give it a fair chance. Other than that, we just need to let nature manage itself, and possibly hunt or collect some of the more abundant species for ourselves.

Answer 2

This will probably vary based upon the specifics of each case- there is no one approach that is necessarily best for rats, gulls, foxes and roaches.

But bear in mind while man may have affected the environment and thus contributed to their declining or increasing, this is merely man participating in the process, just because we have an effect doesn't mean we're always the "cause". Some populations grow rapidly and others get wiped out without any human intervention, it's natural selection.

For example, beaver dams often have profound impacts on ecosystems, and not just for things living downstream- since the lack of water can cause many species to migrate and search for new food supplies. Obviously our footprint usually the largest, but there's no species which has zero effect- the notion of some perfect unchanging harmony isn't an accurate one.

Answer 3

more beneficial valuable than poisoning the detrimental critters, or giving them Mixi, that's largely awfull!!! Lamping is a really powerful and humane way of controlling rabbits and various vermin, they get a intense powered problem-free shone on them, then shot with a .22 rifle, devoid of put off dispatched. Rabbits are good healthful ingesting too!!!

Answer 4

As with the pigeons of Paris, feeding bait containing a contraceptive is one idea; I like the sterilizing virus idea too, but if that one mutates and jumps species we could be in for the last generation of a lot of animals we don't want to lose yet.
Keeping people from indiscriminately leaving food out for animals would help too. I have a friend who leaves her scraps out for the foxes, much to her neighbours' dismay as it also attracts rats, mice, and feral cats. Animal-proof trash collection boxes are a good idea on this line.

Answer 5

The most humane way would be to control the enviornment in which they live. Do not allow trash and depris to collect where you don't want them. It's not their fault that they are on the bottom of the food chain and they have their place in this eco system just as we do.

Answer 6

Close the Channel Tunnel

Answer 7

Spread vermin food all over the infested areas that will reduce their reproduction levels. Then lay off the feeding for awhile so they don't become extinct, then do it as soon as the pop starts increasing again, etc, etc, etc. I believe in some areas, this is what's being done.

Answer 8

Remove what caused the population explosion in the first place.

DON'T CHUCK FAST FOOD ON THE FLOOR.
DON'T FEED SEAGULLS - you may be on holiday, but the huge explosion of seagull numbers is causing problems.

I find a 22 air rifle helps.

Answer 9

inner city high powered bb gun heavy gauge steel pellets for pigeons, rats down the sewers with a shotgun. rabbits air rifle. and foxes leave alone. they keep the rabbits down

Answer 10

We need to stop lilling the predators and let nature take it's course. This is not always humane, nature is cruel but wise.