Amsterdam Schiphol to test foraging pigs’ suitability as bird deterrent

Amsterdam Schiphol airport’s operator is to carry out a bird-control trial which centres on the use of pigs. It will take place on a plot of land, with an area of about 2ha, situated between runways 18R and 18C. This plot was used to harvest sugar beets. But crop residue attracts birds, says the airport operator, and the trial will involve allowing 20 pigs to forage on the land in order to deter bird activity. “In the coming weeks, bird activity in the area with the pigs will be compared to a reference plot without pigs,” it adds. “Success of the project will be measured using a special bird radar, which will map the areas at Schiphol and its surroundings that are frequented most by birds, along with visual observations.”<br/>