Keystone-SDA
The shores of the Neuchâtel lake are home to the largest population of Goélands in Switzerland, with nearly 1000 nesting couples. The species being protected in Switzerland, its population continues to increase.
(Keystone-ATS) “Goéland is competing with other species such as seagulls or sterns, whose populations are decreasing,” David Borioli, Ranger Neuchâtel, on Tuesday on RTN. The gull is thus feeding on chicks and gutters during birth periods.
The bird also occupies the same type of habitat as seagulls or sterns. “The gull has the upper hand and encoves the habitats favorable to other species,” added David Borioli. It can have two to three chicks per nests, a strong growth and very few natural predators.
As the territory becomes too small, the bird is seen more and more frequently in the Neuchâtel mountains. Gull, which is a protected species in Switzerland, could see its status evolve like that of the cormoran, which can be regulated by shooting or hunting. If it were to be the case, the decision would return to the Federal Parliament.
