Survey-based public perception and participatory potential for managing urban Yellow-legged gulls (Larus michahellis): the case study of Venice (Italy)

The demographic increase of Yellow-legged gulls (Larus michahellis), combined with urban colonization, has led to rising human–gull conflict worldwide. While conflict mitigation has mostly focused on lethal control and deterrents, growing attention is being given to wildlife and human behaviour and interactions as a way to manage and reduce impacts on human wellbeing. Monitoring conducted since 2018 in Venice (Italy) has highlighted a complex urban human–gull relationship. Humans can exacerbate this relationship, especially when they perceive the species in a negative light. Focusing on public perception and raising awareness of the role of humans in attracting wildlife to urban areas are key to lowering conflicts. This study explored public perception of Yellow-legged gulls in Venice. It engaged with citizens and visitors via a survey assessing whether perceived population trends align with scientific monitoring data. It also aimed to support decision-making by aligning management strategies according to concerns and needs of city users. The survey, conducted over two months with 651 respondents, showed that the species is widely perceived as problematic, mainly due to scavenging and food-snatching behaviours. Respondents prioritized improved waste management to enhance coexistence. Surgical sterilization of recurrent pairs was also considered as a method to test for reducing breeding-related issues. A significant gap emerged between perception and scientific data: 70% perceived population growth, despite a 34% decline in breeding pairs since 2021. The survey is proposed as an effective tool for raising participation and awareness, supporting a socially inclusive and scientifically robust approach to human–urban wildlife relationship management.