Pigeons Are Flying Everywhere To Help Us Fight Climate Change, How?

It can be said that not many people love pigeons because they think that these birds often spread disease, cause much trouble and poop everywhere. However, a research team in the UK has shown that pigeons are now not as useless as many individuals think. They use bird-wearing equipment to gather climate data in the area.

Researchers from the University of Birmingham invented small backpacks to tie on the backs of pigeons before releasing them. It sounds funny, but the backpacks are actually small-sized sensors capable of collecting data about urban climatic conditions.

Rick Thomas, the lead researcher, said that the pigeons carrying sensors on their backs will fly around major UK cities to collect data in blocks, including humidity, temperature, pollution and wind conditions.

When this idea came up, quite a few people objected to using pigeons as a tool to collect weather data, and the drones would accomplish this mission better. According to Thomas, drones have limitations, while pigeons are flying everywhere. Moreover, the cost of investing in drones is quite high, including the cost of hiring drivers, the necessary equipment such as batteries must be prepared continuously to be able to gather data at any time. In addition, they need to have the approval of the local authorities so the drones can fly in the sky continuously.

Notably, scientists do not have to search and catch birds because they work with volunteers raising birds in different areas. This allows them to take advantage of breeding and professionally trained birds so that they can fly back home by themselves.

When using pigeons, they just attach sensors on their backs and let them fly freely.

The data that the pigeons collected didn't need to use any wireless connections to download, but they would collect them when the birds returned home after each trip. After receiving the data, the scientists put a backpack again on the pigeons to get ready for the next trip.

If you think this action is inhuman for birds, don't worry. Thomas and his team have confirmed that they are always trying to create the most comfort possible for pigeons. The weight of a sensor is just under three percent as heavy as a dove, so they will not feel any burden on their backs. Besides, in order to avoid making the sensors hit the birds, Thomas's wife sewed belts for them.

Thomas asserts that when pigeon breeders disagree about anything in placing sensors, they freely withdraw from the project. Because he thinks the safety and comfort of the pigeons are the top priority.

The birds involved in the study flew a total of 1,000 kilometers and the scientists collected 41 flights. The team is currently planning to expand this project to many other areas, however, finding trained pigeons is still a hindrance.

The data collected from the sensor on the pigeon's back can help scientists understand and monitor the spread and development of pollution in the environment, and climate change. This study will help local governments to promptly take measures to treat pollution and know the places that are likely to affect human health, and not build health care facilities like hospitals in that area.