More than 10,000 wild animals have been culled by rangers in the last four years, including 1,734 deer, the majority in Richmond Park (pictured)
Animal rights activists have accused London’s biggest parks of ‘callous slaughter’ after figures revealed over 10,000 wild animals have been culled by rangers in the last four years.
More than 8,400 mammals and 3,240 birds have been exterminated by the Royal Parks authority since January 2013, including 1,734 deer, 2,657 rabbits and 1,221 crows.
Rangers at the organisation’s eight open spaces, which include Hyde Park and Richmond Park, have also killed 3,679 squirrels, 330 foxes, 268 geese and 382 magpies.
Animal Aid urged the Royal Parks to adopt alternatives to culling such as removing food sources for problem species and urging members of the public against feeding them.
The charity believes culling animals such as foxes is ‘pointless’, because the removal of some foxes will simply cause other ones to move into the area.
Rangers at the organisation’s eight open spaces, which include Hyde Park and Bushy Park, have also killed 2,657 rabbits for ecological reasons. Pictured is a rabbit on Richmond Park
It also pointed out that no London councils trap and kill foxes but instead opt for alternative population control methods such as waste control and noise deterrents.
Long-standing government policy also advises against culling, stating that ‘most effective strategies… have primarily relied on non-lethal methods’.
The total number of animals killed since January 2013 varies greatly across the eight historic open spaces managed by the Royal Parks authority.
Rangers at Bushy Park culled the most animals – 4,108 mammals and 1,802 birds.
Richmond Park, the largest of the Royal Parks, saw 2,999 mammals and 985 birds killed, the bulk of which were red and fallow deer.
Animal Aid revealed the figures in a series of Freedom of Information requests shared exclusively with MailOnline.
Animal Aid urged rangers to adopt alternatives to culling such as removing food sources for species including parakeets, 298 of which have been killed (pictured in Richmond Park)
Its director, Isobel Hutchinson, said: ‘These shocking figures reveal the relentless persecution suffered by animals who help to make the Royal Parks so popular.
‘For many people, visiting a park offers a rare opportunity to see and interact with wild animals.
‘But rather than being cherished and appreciated, as they are by the parks’ visitors, these animals are being callously slaughtered.
‘If the Royal Parks wish to limit the number of wild animals in their parks, then they should turn to the many humane methods of deterrence that are available.’
The Royal Parks insists ‘humane’ culling is essential to maintaining ecological diversity in its open spaces.
A spokesman said: ‘The Royal Parks are carefully managed spaces and complex environments inhabited by thousands of species of animals and plants.
‘Over 77 million people visit each year. Maintaining and enhancing a diversity of wildlife is at the heart of our work.
‘It’s a very careful balancing act to make sure that the wildlife can co-exist and flourish in the parks’ delicate ecosystems.
‘Without effective management some species across the 5,000 acres of parkland could fail to thrive or disappear altogether.
‘Our humane approach to animal management also ensures the survival of ancient trees and other rare habitats – which in turn support a rich variety of other animals.’
The Royal Parks insists ‘humane’ culling of animals such as squirrels, 3,679 of which have been culled, is needed to maintain ecological diversity. Pictured: A squirrel in Richmond Park