Busy summer focused on teaching and on writing chapters for the 2nd edition of the book on Wildlife Fertility Control that I am co-editing with Dr Cheryl Asa and Dr Anneke Moresco. More than 15 authors will contribute to this edition, including BIWFC colleagues, and we are making slow but steady progress.
We welcomed the latest article from Marinella Correggia on Il Manifesto in Italy, with an extensive piece on the 10th International Conference on Wildlife Fertility Control and interviews of several colleagues, making a good case for society to consider fertility control for several wildlife species.
Our Summer School, Human–Wildlife Coexistence: Navigating the New Frontier of Fertility Control, organised in collaboration with Prof. Manel Lopez-Bejar at the Autonomous University of Barcelona, brought together students from new countries. France, the U.S., Egypt, Singapore, India and China were represented by the 13 students that attended the school. The feedback received so far was unanimously excellent. Students loved our enthusiasm and passion for the subject and enjoyed the time spent learning. Some commented they would appreciate if we added more group discussions and activity sessions: wonderful idea, we will! We are now discussing with various universities and organisations the possibility of repeating the summer school in other regions of the world. It is likely that a new format will be one full week, with teaching and activities provided by the BIWFC and by local colleagues. Stay tuned!
STUDENT VOICES:
Thank you for a truly inspiring week. I loved every session. Each one was clear, thought‑provoking, and packed with ideas I’ll carry with me. I remember the cases we discussed. Your balanced way of presenting both scientific and public policy really made me think, especially showing some detailed solution. Even though I’m not a wildlife major, this week has made me seriously consider this area as a future direction. I also enjoyed the discussions and group work we had. What I would really like is even more hands‑on practice. I know our topic doesn’t easily lend itself to field work, but maybe we could try things like designing simple awareness materials, interviewing local people, or running a mock policy debate. Just some ideas. Either way, this week has been wonderful. Thank you again for your time and passion.” -Vivian See More Summer School Feedback
Fertility control for macaques in Bali
Growing interactions between humans and nonhuman primates highlight the need to understand the implications of using fertility control to manage synanthropic primate populations. A team from Bali investigated the effect of tubectomy on long-tailed macaque behavior. Tubectomy (or tubal ligation) is a permanent method of contraception in which the fallopian tubes are blocked to prevent the egg from reaching the uterus and being fertilised. Compared with intact females, sterilized females were more sexually receptive and attractive, received longer grooming bouts from male partners and aggression from fewer females. The study concluded that, at least in the short term, tubectomy modifies sociosexual interactions but does not increase aggression. Giraud, et al.(opens in new tab)
Fertility control for East-African rodents
In Ethiopia, damage by rodents to crops ranges from 9% to 44% of annual cereal production. Species of the genus Arvicanthis figure prominently among the rodents responsible for this impact because of their wide distribution, high reproductive capacity, and close association with agricultural landscapes. This laboratory study investigated the antifertility effects of bait containing the synthetic hormones quinestrol and levonorgestrel on the Nile grass rat (Arvicanthis niloticus). Quinestrol completely inhibited pregnancy in treated females. In addition, untreated females paired with treated males exhibited lower pregnancy rates and reduced litter sizes, demonstrating the potential of fertility control as a complementary strategy for sustainable rodent management in Africa. Desta, et al.(opens in new tab)
The book “Rodent Pests: Ecology and Management” was published in July. Together with Grant Singleton, Jens Jacob of BIWFC Europe, has edited this 3rd edition of “Rodent pests and their control” – a substantially restructured and updated version focusing on both ecology and management of rodents with contributions from 46 authors from 20 countries. The book includes a chapter on emerging technologies including fertility control that was co-authored by Giovanna Massei. The book provides a resource for practitioners and scientists in rodent research, rodent pest control, conservation, and public health. Read more →(opens in new tab)
Raccoon catch-neuter-release in Kassel, Germany is still on hold
A catch-neuter-release project that started last year came to an unexpected stop after only a few days because of legal concerns and intervention by the State Hunting Association. A decision by the State government is expected to be announced in summer. BIWFC’s Jens Jacob confirms high raccoon density by personal experience – a raccoon ran into the front wheel while biking through Kassel. Both were startled but unharmed.
Fertility control for Asian elephants and monkeys?
The government of Assam in India is rolling out a new plan (opens in new tab) to handle human-wildlife conflicts, particularly those involving elephants and monkeys. The plan aims to reduce crop damage, wildlife wandering into villages, and tragic losses, and covers quick relief for affected families, compensation for farmers and long-term solutions such as habitat restoration. The plan mentions sterilization as one of the methods considered by government officials. This reflects similar methods adopted by other Indian states (opens in new tab), such as Himachal Pradesh that sterilised around 186,448 macaques since 2006, although local communities have debated whether this method had decreased the impact of monkeys on human activities.
King Charles III Visits Grey Squirrel Fertility Control Research
In May, His Majesty King Charles III visited Yorkshire to meet with Animal & Plant Health Agency scientists working on research funded by the UK Squirrel Accord (opens in new tab) and supporters to create a fertility control option for invasive grey squirrel management in the UK. As Patron of the Red Squirrel Survival Trust, The King learned about the research which aims to reduce grey squirrel numbers to protect native red squirrels, trees and woodland ecosystems. This project was originally designed and led for five years by Giovanna Massei before she moved to the BIWFC.
Fertility Control Gains Attention in UK Wild Animal Welfare
The Center for Wild Animal Welfare (CWAW)(opens in new tab) is making fertility control a key area of its work, including efforts to advance alternatives to traditional methods of rodent population management.
CWAW recently collaborated with BIWFC Europe Director Giovanna Massei and other scientists on a briefing addressing rodent fertility control regulations, which Giovanna Massei and Prof. Steve Belmain presented to the UK’s Animal Welfare Minister and Member of The House of Lords, Baroness Sue Hayman. Learn More About CWAW →(opens in new tab)
Giovanna Massei
