Researchers say pigeons are losing toes because of human hair

18 Nov 2019

Researchers say pigeons are losing toes because of human hair

Researchers say pigeons are losing toes because of human hairWe often see pigeons with swollen or missing toes. Researchers used to believe it was caused by chemicals and infections.

However, a new study in France shows that pigeons may be losing their toes because of human hair.

Scientists at the National Museum of Natural History and the University of Lyon in France, think that human hair could be the main reason for pigeons with missing toes.

Research found that pigeons living near hairdressers have more toes missing than other pigeons.
 	Pigeons living in cities are more affected than those living in green open spaces.
 	Pigeons have lesser toes in areas that have more air and noise pollution.

How do pigeons lose or hurt their toes?

Pigeons need twigs, straws or hay to build nests, but in cities, they are more likely to find strings, wires and human hair. Unfortunately, their toes get caught or entangled in these.
 	Similarly, even when they walk, they can trip on wires, strings and human hair which cut or hurt their toes.

This is just one instance of how much human beings can affect nature, even in ways we cannot imagine.

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We often see pigeons with swollen or missing toes. Researchers used to believe it was caused by chemicals and infections. However, a new study in […]

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