Journal articles on the topic 'Urban native birds'
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Smith, Alexis D., and Emily Minor. "Chicago’s Urban Cemeteries as Habitat for Cavity-Nesting Birds." Sustainability 11, no. 12 (June 13, 2019): 3258. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/su11123258.
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Although not explicitly managed for conservation, urban cemeteries may provide a reserve of dead and dying trees for cavity-nesting birds. However, the ability of urban cemeteries to support these birds on current landscapes is largely unknown. We surveyed cavity-nesting birds and their habitat in 18 cemeteries in Chicago, Illinois (USA). At each location, we examined vegetation, availability of gravestones and monuments for perches, and landscape-level environmental conditions. We tested the importance of these variables for presence of individual bird species, and for overall richness of native cavity-nesting birds. We also assessed the availability and characteristics of tree cavities and their distribution among different tree species. We found that most cemeteries contained at least one dead or dying tree. Across all sampled areas, we detected 207 naturally-occurring and 77 excavated tree cavities. Tree species generally supported cavities in proportion to their abundance. We observed 12 native and two non-native cavity-nesting bird species in the cemeteries. Cavity-nesting bird species richness was best explained by landscape-level variables such as canopy cover and distance to water, but local-level variables (e.g., number of graves in a 50 m radius) influenced habitat selection for some species. Based on our results, we make suggestions for how both existing cemeteries and new “green” cemeteries can support biodiversity conservation.
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Werema, Chacha, and Charles Wilson. "Avian Use of Habitat Patches Dominated by Exotic Leucaena leucocephala or Native Tree Species in Urban Dar es Salaam, Tanzania." Tanzania Journal of Science 48, no. 2 (June 17, 2022): 402–13. http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/tjs.v48i2.15.
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There has been an incursion of an exotic Leucaena leucocephala in disturbed areas and into habitat patches of native tree species in some areas in Tanzania. However, the impacts of this exotic tree on native biodiversity are not well understood. We assessed bird use of habitat patches dominated by L. leucocephala in comparison to patches of native tree species at the University of Dar es Salaam main campus, Tanzania, by comparing bird species richness, abundance and diversity using mist netting. Based on the same mist netting efforts in each habitat patch type, patches of native trees had significantly higher overall diversity (t = 1.999, df = 293.64, p < 0.05) and abundance (χ2 = 40.525, df = 1, p < 0.001) of birds than those dominated by the exotic L. leucocephala and significantly greater abundance of forest-dependent species (χ2 = 10.938, df = 1, p < 0.001) and forest visitors (χ2 = 15.258, df = 1, p < 0.001). The similarity in bird species between the two habitats was 0.658 indicating that many bird species occurred in both habitat types. The lower diversity and overall abundance of birds in the patches dominated by the exotic plant suggest that it does not provide appropriate habitat for many bird species, and further spread of this exotic will be detrimental to the local avifauna.
Keywords: Birds, diversity, native tree species, exotic tree species, Leucaena leucocephala.
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Aronson, Myla F. J., Frank A. La Sorte, Charles H. Nilon, Madhusudan Katti, Mark A. Goddard, Christopher A. Lepczyk, Paige S. Warren, et al. "A global analysis of the impacts of urbanization on bird and plant diversity reveals key anthropogenic drivers." Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences 281, no. 1780 (April 7, 2014): 20133330. http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2013.3330.
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Urbanization contributes to the loss of the world's biodiversity and the homogenization of its biota. However, comparative studies of urban biodiversity leading to robust generalities of the status and drivers of biodiversity in cities at the global scale are lacking. Here, we compiled the largest global dataset to date of two diverse taxa in cities: birds (54 cities) and plants (110 cities). We found that the majority of urban bird and plant species are native in the world's cities. Few plants and birds are cosmopolitan, the most common being Columba livia and Poa annua . The density of bird and plant species (the number of species per km 2 ) has declined substantially: only 8% of native bird and 25% of native plant species are currently present compared with estimates of non-urban density of species. The current density of species in cities and the loss in density of species was best explained by anthropogenic features (landcover, city age) rather than by non-anthropogenic factors (geography, climate, topography). As urbanization continues to expand, efforts directed towards the conservation of intact vegetation within urban landscapes could support higher concentrations of both bird and plant species. Despite declines in the density of species, cities still retain endemic native species, thus providing opportunities for regional and global biodiversity conservation, restoration and education.
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S*, Ganesh, and P. U. Antoney. "Site preferences for nesting by birds in an educational institution campus in Bengaluru, Karnataka, South India." International Journal of Bioassays 5, no. 05 (May 3, 2016): 4528. http://dx.doi.org/10.21746/ijbio.2016.05.001.
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Wildlife conservation in urban habitats is increasingly important due to current urbanization trends. Studying birds in urban landscapes and pointing out the importance of their management and conservation are the needs of the day. Every species has certain habitat requirements for successful nesting and breeding. The increase in anthropogenic activities and the disappearance of native tree populations has raised concerns on avian populations and its nesting behavior. In this study, we observed the nesting success of urban birds in the campus. It is found that nesting failure is not predicted by the density of adult birds. These findings suggest that nesting success determined by nest site availability may drive the distribution of avian species in the urban habitat. The abundance of urban bird species nesting in Christ University campus was studied and the need for planting trees that are more conducive for nesting by birds is recommended.
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Davis, R. A., and J. A. Wilcox. "Adapting to suburbia: bird ecology on an urban-bushland interface in Perth, Western Australia." Pacific Conservation Biology 19, no. 2 (2013): 110. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/pc130110.
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Birds in urban landscapes must contend with fragmented and degraded remnants of native vegetation and their survival may be dependent on factors such as their ability to disperse through and/or utilize the urban matrix. We examined the frequency of occurrence of birds in native bushland in Kings Park, Perth, Western Australia, and in nine adjacent suburban gardens. We quantified dispersal capacity by observing bird crossing frequency and height over a major six-lane road separating the bushland from adjacent gardens. Finally we quantified matrix utilisation by recording foraging behaviour in urban gardens and bushland. Native bushland had a higher species richness than urban gardens (30 versus 17 species) and 18 species were associated more strongly with bushland. Of these 18 species, 61% were never recorded in urban gardens. Gardens were typified by three generalist species, the Singing Honeyeater Lichenostomus virescens and the introduced Laughing Dove Spilopelia senegalensis and Spotted Dove S. chinensis. Three generalist species, the Red Wattlebird Anthochaera carunculata, Rainbow Lorikeet Trichoglossus haematodus, and Brown Honeyeater Lichmera indistincta were equally abundant in all habitats. Four of 18 bird species (Singing Honeyeater Red Wattlebird, Rainbow Lorikeet, and Australian Ringneck Barnardius zonarius) accounted for the majority of road crossing events. Urban gardens provided a rich resource for generalists and urban exploiters, all of which spent significantly more time foraging on nectar in gardens and significantly more time foraging on insects in bushland. We conclude that urban gardens provide habitat for some species that exploit nectar, but most species in bushland, particularly insectivores, do not use gardens. Our results indicate the importance of retaining well-managed bushland for supporting viable urban bird populations.
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Johnston López, Karina, Alberto Macías Duarte, and Reyna Amanda Castillo Gámez. "Urban birds in the Sonoran Desert: estimating population density from point counts." Huitzil Revista Mexicana de Ornitología 16, no. 1 (January 16, 2015): 37–47. http://dx.doi.org/10.28947/hrmo.2015.16.1.64.
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We conducted bird surveys in Hermosillo, Sonora using distance sampling to characterize detection functions at point-transects for native and non-native urban birds in a desert environment. From March to August 2013 we sampled 240 plots in the city and its surroundings; each plot was visited three times. Our purpose was to provide information for a rapid assessment of bird density in this region by using point counts. We identified 72 species, including six non-native species. Sixteen species had sufficient detections to accurately estimate the parameters of the detection functions. To illustrate the estimation of density from bird count data using our inferred detection functions, we estimated the density of the Eurasian Collared-Dove (Streptopelia decaocto) under two different levels of urbanization: highly urbanized (90-100% of urban impact) and moderately urbanized zones (39-50% of urban impact). Density of S. decaocto in the highly-urbanized and moderately-urbanized zones was 3.97±0.52 and 2.92±0.52 individuals/ha, respectively. By using our detection functions, avian ecologists can efficiently relocate time and effort that is regularly used for the estimation of detection distances, to increase the number of sites surveyed and to collect other relevant ecological information.
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Gray, Emily R., and Yolanda van Heezik. "Exotic trees can sustain native birds in urban woodlands." Urban Ecosystems 19, no. 1 (August 19, 2015): 315–29. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11252-015-0493-1.
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Galbraith, Josie A., Jacqueline R. Beggs, Darryl N. Jones, and Margaret C. Stanley. "Supplementary feeding restructures urban bird communities." Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 112, no. 20 (May 4, 2015): E2648—E2657. http://dx.doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1501489112.
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Food availability is a primary driver of avian population regulation. However, few studies have considered the effects of what is essentially a massive supplementary feeding experiment: the practice of wild bird feeding. Bird feeding has been posited as an important factor influencing the structure of bird communities, especially in urban areas, although experimental evidence to support this is almost entirely lacking. We carried out an 18-mo experimental feeding study at 23 residential properties to investigate the effects of bird feeding on local urban avian assemblages. Our feeding regime was based on predominant urban feeding practices in our region. We used monthly bird surveys to compare avian community composition, species richness, and the densities of local species at feeding and nonfeeding properties. Avian community structure diverged at feeding properties and five of the commonest garden bird species were affected by the experimental feeding regime. Introduced birds particularly benefitted, with dramatic increases observed in the abundances of house sparrow (Passer domesticus) and spotted dove (Streptopelia chinensis) in particular. We also found evidence of a negative effect on the abundance of a native insectivore, the grey warbler (Gerygone igata). Almost all of the observed changes did not persist once feeding had ceased. Our study directly demonstrates that the human pastime of bird feeding substantially contributes to the structure of avian community in urban areas, potentially altering the balance between native and introduced species.
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Carvalho, Mariana, Jorge M. Palmeirim, Francisco C. Rego, Nelson Sole, Aristides Santana, and John E. Fa. "What motivates hunters to target exotic or endemic species on the island of São Tomé, Gulf of Guinea?" Oryx 49, no. 2 (February 24, 2014): 278–86. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0030605313000550.
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AbstractHunting and invasive species are amongst the main causes of species extinctions on oceanic islands. On the island of São Tomé hunting of introduced mammals (monkeys, civets and pigs) and endemic bird species has contrasting effects in terms of conservation. Hunting of introduced mammals may benefit native fauna and flora but pressure on endemic birds poses a threat to some species. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 119 hunters to assess the relative importance of native and introduced prey species, gathering information on personal profiles, preference and practice, and hunters’ perceptions of trends in prey populations. Eleven species were hunted, including five invasive mammals and five endemic birds of high conservation importance. Based on species hunted, techniques used and final destination of the quarry we distinguished three groups of hunters, using cluster analyses: bird, monkey and feral-pig hunters. Bird hunters were all from urban areas but most pig hunters were rural. Monkey hunters were mostly rural workers but a small proportion were from urban areas. Bird and monkey hunters were primarily motivated by commercial gains but they also hunted for enjoyment and food. In general, hunting of mammals is an opportunistic activity that, if regulated, can be sustainable and contribute to mitigating the effects of invasive species on local fauna as well contributing to local livelihoods. Given the economic drivers involved in hunting of birds, intervention to reduce or eliminate this form of hunting will require enforcement of legislation and raising awareness of the issues involved.
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Lazarina, Maria, Mariana A. Tsianou, Georgios Boutsis, Aristi Andrikou-Charitidou, Elpida Karadimou, and Athanasios S. Kallimanis. "Urbanization and Human Population Favor Species Richness of Alien Birds." Diversity 12, no. 2 (February 11, 2020): 72. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/d12020072.
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Human activities like urbanization and agriculture affect spatial biodiversity patterns. The presence and activities of humans richly benefit alien species, but native species usually decline in human-impacted areas. Considering that the richness of alien and native species are inter-related, we explored the effect of human population density, human-related land uses (agricultural and urban), and natural land area on avian (alien and native) species richness of Massachusetts for two time periods using Generalized Additive Models. Avian alien species richness increased with native species richness in both time periods. Despite the predominant role of native species richness as a major driver of alien species richness, human activities play an important additional role in shaping species richness patterns of established aliens. Human-related land uses (urban and agricultural) and human population favored alien species richness in both time periods. Counter to expectations, human activities were also positively associated to native avian species richness. Possible explanations of these patterns may include habitat heterogeneity, increased availability of resources, and reduced predation risk.
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Sewell, Sven R., and Carla P. Catterall. "Bushland modification and styles of urban development: their effects on birds in south-east Queensland." Wildlife Research 25, no. 1 (1998): 41. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/wr96078.
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Variation in bird assemblages associated with forest clearing and urbanisation in the greater Brisbane area was assessed by counting birds in sites within six habitat categories: large remnants, small remnants, no- understorey remnants, canopy suburbs (original trees present), planted suburbs, and bare suburbs. Total bird abundance and species richness were generally highest in canopy suburbs. Individual species showed many significant abundance differences among the habitat types, and were classified into three major response categories: bushland species (3 in summer, 13 in winter), tolerant species (13 in summer, 13 in winter), and suburban species (12 in summer, 11 in winter). The commonly proposed notion that urbanisation results in lowered bird species richness and increases in introduced species is broadly consistent with the observed differences between bare suburbs and large remnants. However, it does not adequately describe the situation in the planted and canopy suburbs, where there was high species richness and extremely high abundance of some native species (including noisy miners, lorikeets, friarbirds, and butcherbirds) but low abundance of a majority of the species common in the original habitats (including fantails, wrens, whistlers, and other small insectivores). Retained forest remnants are essential for the latter group. Urban plantings of prolifically flowering native species do not reverse the effects of deforestation, but promote a distinctive group of common native suburban bird species. Origins of the urban bird assemblage are discussed.
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Awasthy, Monica, Ana Z. Popovic, and Wayne L. Linklater. "Experience in local urban wildlife research enhances a conservation education programme with school children." Pacific Conservation Biology 18, no. 1 (2012): 41. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/pc120041.
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The “extinction of [ecological] experience” is a concern for children in urban centres. Urban environments, traditionally the refuge of exotic human-commensal species, are being increasingly colonised by native species. We used a native bird as a focal species for integrating urban biological research and environmental education (EE) in conservation. We tested whether incorporating biological researchers into classroom teaching and hands-on experiences with radio-telemetry of wild birds increased wildlife knowledge, environmental awareness and intentions to act amongst children from local schools. We found no significant increases in knowledge after our EE programme. However, those children who participated in exercises with researchers in local green space demonstrated a greater level of nature awareness than groups who participated in the schoolyard, and retained this level three months after the programme completion. We illustrate the importance of incorporating biological research in conservation education in urban centres.
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Lowe, Katie A., Charlotte E. Taylor, and Richard E. Major. "Do Common Mynas significantly compete with native birds in urban environments?" Journal of Ornithology 152, no. 4 (March 1, 2011): 909–21. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10336-011-0674-5.
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Brasileiro, Ana Carolina, Frede Lima-Araujo, Jamile Aragão Alcântara, Alano Sousa Martins Pontes, José André Neto, Ricardo De Oliveira Tavares, Amanda Souza Silvino, and Jeferson Vizentin-Bugoni. "Birds of the Parque Ecológico Lagoa da Fazenda, Sobral, Ceará state, northeastern Brazil." Check List 13, no. 1 (January 16, 2017): 2037. http://dx.doi.org/10.15560/13.1.2037.
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Natural areas within cities are important as they contribute to maintain biodiversity and the functioning of ecosystems. In Ceará state, inventories of birds in human-impacted areas are still scarce. Here, we inventory bird species and estimate the species richness at Parque Ecológico Lagoa da Fazenda, an urban park in the municipality of Sobral, in northeastern Brazil. We found 82 bird species, of which 16 breed in the area, three are endemics, and three others are introduced. Despite the moderate species richness detected, richness estimators revealed that sampling was sufficient to detect most species. To maintain or even increase local species richness, we suggest the cessation of urban expansion within the park, sewage dumping, and filling of the wetland, as well as further planting of native vegetation.
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Hodgson, P., K. French, and R. E. Major. "Comparison of foraging behaviour of small, urban-sensitive insectivores in continuous woodland and woodland remnants in a suburban landscape." Wildlife Research 33, no. 7 (2006): 591. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/wr05017.
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Small patches of remnant vegetation are often considered to have low conservation value. In urban landscapes their value may potentially be higher than in other landscapes because they can be the only representatives of original native vegetation. Despite this potential, many small insectivorous birds that rely on native vegetation demonstrate sensitivities within urban landscapes through reduced numbers or total absence. One reason for this sensitivity may be that remnants are of suboptimal quality, which may be reflected in behavioural changes. Using five insectivorous species that were present (in low numbers) in remnants surrounded by high-density housing, foraging behaviour was examined in relation to vegetation. The proportion of time birds spent on different foraging substrates and plant species was compared with that of conspecifics in continuous vegetation. Canopy and shrub foragers showed minimal behavioural changes. Ground foragers in remnants tended to forage at lower heights than those in continuous vegetation; however, these changes did not appear to reflect a negative effect. These changes were partially explained by structural differences between vegetation in remnants and continuous sites. The number of times a bird attacked prey items was significantly higher in continuous habitat for only two species. Overall, the foraging behaviour of small insectivorous birds in remnants surrounded by high-density housing was not adversely affected by urbanisation and it appears that remnants have potential value as habitat and foraging sources in an urban landscape. Despite this, small insectivores are still sensitive to urbanisation, suggesting that other factors, probably in the matrix, are important.
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Powell, Chela, Alan Lill, and Christopher P. Johnstone. "Body Condition and Chronic stress in Urban and Rural Noisy Miners." Open Ornithology Journal 6, no. 1 (May 17, 2013): 25–31. http://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1874453201306010025.
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Cities are potentially stressful environments for birds for numerous reasons, including their high volumes of pedestrian and vehicular traffic. Native birds inhabiting cities tolerate such human disturbance, but may still potentially incur some cost that is reflected in body condition and the level of chronic stress experienced, unless they are inherently relatively insensitive to urban stressors. We compared body mass and condition, three erythrocyte variables and heterophil: lymphocyte ratios (HL) of adult Noisy miners (Manorina melanocephala) in urban Melbourne, Australia and its rural hinterland. Urban individuals had a significantly higher HL (mean 0.995) than rural con-specifics (0.719), suggesting that they may have been experiencing higher chronic stress levels. Body condition (mass-size residuals) and haematocrit were similar in urban and rural individuals, but urban individuals were a little heavier (~ 1%) and rural individuals had a 0.6 g dl higher whole blood haemoglobin concentration. There were no significant relationships between body condition indices and blood variables of the kind demonstrated in some bird species; their absence in Noisy miners may either reflect a lack of winter fattening or confirm that the occurrence of these relationships is species-specific.
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Dubovyk, Oleksii, Hanna Kuzyo, and Andriy Bokotey. "Density variation in “rare” breeding birds in native forests and urban parks." GEO&BIO 2020, no. 19 (October 2, 2020): 20–31. http://dx.doi.org/10.15407/gb1904.
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Whisson, Desley A., Michael A. Weston, and Kelly Shannon. "Home range, habitat use and movements by the little raven (Corvus mellori) in a coastal peri-urban landscape." Wildlife Research 42, no. 6 (2015): 500. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/wr15039.
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Context In peri-urban environments, high availability of anthropogenic resources may result in relatively high abundances of some species, with potentially negative implications for other native biota. Effective management of such impacts requires understanding of the spatial ecology of problem species. However, home range and habitat use have not been described for the little raven (Corvus mellori), a superabundant native predator that occurs in urban and natural habitats, including those where threatened shorebirds breed. Aims The aim of this study was to provide basic information on little raven home range, habitat use and movements in a coastal peri-urban landscape. Methods Between October 2011 and January 2012 we radio-tracked 20 little ravens captured in a coastal wetland (near Melbourne, Australia). Key results Little ravens were highly mobile, moving up to 9.9 km in an hour (median = 2 km), and had large ranges: Minimum Convex Polygons were 1664–9989 ha (median = 3362 ha). Although most birds used both anthropogenic and natural habitats, some birds strongly selected for coastal wetland habitat. Birds used multiple roosts during the study period, most of which occurred in grassland (58.7%) or urban (22.3%) areas. Movement of up to 8.3 km (median = 2.2 km) between roosts during the night was also detected. Conclusions Ravens were highly mobile and used large home ranges and a variety of habitats, with habitat preferences varying between birds. Implications Considering the large home ranges and inter-individual variation in habitat preferences of little raven populations, localised management to reduce their impacts on breeding shorebirds is unlikely to be successful.
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Smith, Alexis Dyan. "Reconciling the Chicago River for birds and people." PLOS ONE 16, no. 9 (September 2, 2021): e0256733. http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0256733.
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The Chicago River’s north branch intersects multiple urban land uses, including residential, industrial, commercial, and recreational. The north branch also supports a diversity of birds exploiting a variety of resources and structures along the river as habitat. From three breeding seasons of point count surveys, I assess the breeding bird communities in four different sections, representing four different restoration or management styles. These four river sections are also very different with regards to the surrounding neighborhood demographics. These data serve as both a baseline for future studies to evaluate restoration projects along the Chicago River, and as a snapshot to compare bird diversity and community composition between these river sections given current conditions. Unsurprisingly, the section of the river with the most extensive and longest established restoration effort had the highest species richness (number of species) of native birds. In terms of aquatic and riparian birds, however, that section was comparable to river sections with much less management in measures of both species richness and species composition. I discuss ways that river restoration efforts can be sensitive to demographic context, to avoid contributing to eco-gentrification and displacement.
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Evans, S. M., F. J. C. Fletcher, P. J. Loader, and F. G. Rooksby. "Habitat exploitation by landbirds in the changing Western Samoan environment." Bird Conservation International 2, no. 2 (June 1992): 123–29. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0959270900002355.
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SummaryThe avifauna of Western Samoa is dominated by indigenous species, including several endemic ones. They are primarily birds of the rainforest and, since the islands have already suffered severe loss of this habitat and there is likely to be increased pressure on it in the future, their long-term prospects are not good. At present, introduced, non-native birds are not a threat to indigenous species, being confined largely to urban habitats, and there is little interaction with forest species. Several indigenous species exploit manmodified habitats, however, and it is possible that, as has occurred elsewhere, some of them may adapt fully to urban life.
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Wang, Haiyang, Danrong Wang, Ya Shi, Zhiqing Xu, and Hong Chen. "The Synergy of Patterns vs. Processes at Community Level: A Key Linkage for Subtropical Native Forests along the Urban Riparian Zone." Forests 13, no. 7 (July 1, 2022): 1041. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/f13071041.
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Riparian zones possesses unique ecological position with biota differing from aquatic body and terrestrial lands, and plant–animal coevolution through a propagule-dispersal process may be the main factor for the framework of riparian vegetation was proposed. In the current study, the riparian forests and avifauna along with three subtropical mountainous riparian belts of Chongqing, China, were investigated, and multivariate analysis technique was adopted to examine the associations among the plants’ and birds’ species. The results show that: (1) the forest species’ composition and vertical layers are dominated by native catkins of Moraceae species, which have the reproductive traits with small and numerous propagules facilitating by frugivorous bird species, revealing an evolutionary trend different from the one in the terrestrial plant climax communities in the subtropical evergreen broad-leaved forests. The traits may provide a biological base for the plant–bird coevolution; (2) there are significant associations of plant–bird species clusters, i.e., four plant–bird coevolution groups (PBs) were divided out according to the plant species’ dominance and growth form relating to the fruit-dispersing birds’ abundance; (3) the correlation intensity within a PB ranks as PB I > II > IV > III, indicating the PB I is the leading type of coevolution mainly shaped by the dominant plant species of Moraceae; (4) the PB correlation may be a key node between patterns vs. process of a riparian ecosystem responsible for the riparian native vegetation, or even the ecosystem health. Our results contribute understanding the plant–animal coevolution interpreting the forests’ structures in riparian environments. The results may also be used by urban planner and managers to simulate the patterns for restoring a more stable riparian biota, a better functioning ecosystem in subtropical zone.
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Jepson, Paul, Richard J. Ladle, and Sujatnika. "Assessing market-based conservation governance approaches: a socio-economic profile of Indonesian markets for wild birds." Oryx 45, no. 4 (October 2011): 482–91. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s003060531100038x.
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AbstractOne of the most difficult situations for conservation is where state capacity to regulate is weak, major corporate organizations are absent, and the population does not have a strong culture of wildlife conservation. All these apply to the hugely popular urban Indonesian pastime of keeping wild songbirds, thought to be responsible for rolling local extinctions of several native species. In such situations the introduction of a voluntary, market-based approach could interact with regulation to create new and more effective approaches to reducing the negative conservation impacts of the associated trade. Here we assess the potential of such an approach through an in-depth analysis of the socio-economic and cultural aspects of bird keeping. We project that overall the pastime contributes USD 78.8 million to the economies of the six cities surveyed, supporting a range of associated small-scale rural and urban livelihoods relating to the production of cages and collection of live bird food. Finally, we describe five general bird-breeding models with the capacity to scale up the production of captive-bred birds that may substitute for wild-caught conspecifics. Based on this information we argue that a market-based policy instrument that is capable of shifting bird-keeping trends from wild-caught birds to captive-bred alternatives would align easily with macro-policy agendas in Indonesia relating to pro-poor growth and the creation of more and better jobs. Such a policy instrument could provide exciting opportunities for conservationists to engage the interest and support of non-conservation sectors in Indonesia in efforts to conserve diminishing populations of wild birds.
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A. Cousin, Jarrad. "Urban wildlife: more than meets the eye." Pacific Conservation Biology 11, no. 3 (2005): 225. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/pc050225.
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Ever since European settlement of Australia, there have been countless species of fauna which have dramatically declined in distribution and abundance. In the past 200 years, at least 21 species of birds and 19 species of mammals have become extinct (Burgman and Lindenmayer 1998). This pattern of extinction is evident throughout the mainland and islands of Australia, although the local extinction of fauna in urban areas is often overlooked. How and Dell (2000) present alarming data on the plight of urban fauna in Perth, where over half of the native mammal species have become locally extinct.
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Seymour, Mona. "“Support Your Local Invasive Species”: Animal Protection Rhetoric and Nonnative Species." Society & Animals 21, no. 1 (2013): 54–73. http://dx.doi.org/10.1163/15685306-12341269.
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Abstract This article explores protection efforts that have arisen in the New York City metropolitan area around the monk parakeet, a nonnative bird that has achieved a broad distribution outside its native habitat range. In some urban regions in which populations are established, controversy has developed around the parakeets’ use of utility infrastructure and potential impacts on native species and agricultural crops. This case provides an opportunity to explore animal protection rhetoric about nonnative species, an understudied topic, considering the great extent to which species have become established in ecosystems outside their natural ranges and the persistence of public affinity for nonnative plants and wildlife. This article identifies four major frames through which advocates have delivered the birds to public and legal audiences and considers how they have mobilized and handled notions of “nonnative-ness” in their advocacy work.
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Shupova, T. V. "Connections of alien birds species with alien plants of parks and botanical gardens." Studia Biologica 15, no. 1 (2021): 79–92. http://dx.doi.org/10.30970/sbi.1501.648.
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Introduction. In urban conditions, alien species of biota have become an integral part of the cultural landscape. Today, an overall assessment of the influence of alien species on the functioning of ecosystems of their secondary range as is relevant. Such an assessment requires knowledge of the connections formed by alien species in the secondary habitat. The purpose of the study was to find the connections of alien bird species with alien plant species in the parks and botanical gardens of Kyiv. Methods. Assessment was carried out in 10 forest parks, 3 botanical gardens, and 14 urban parks. In parks and botanical gardens, there is a wide range of plants alien to Kyiv Region, in contrast to forest parks. The number and distribution of birds were determined using the method of transect counts. The total area under study was about 370 hectares. Principal Component Analysis of the characteristics of habitats on which the number of alien birds may depend has been carried out. In the research, α-diversity indices of bird communities; number of people (individuals/km); number of pets (individuals/km); park’s area (ha); part of the territory; under the trees (%); part of alien species on plants communities (%) were analyzed. Results. Parus major, Turdus merula, Erithacus rubecula, Fringilla сoelebs dominate in all communities. Columba palumbus, Ficedula albicollis, Turdus pilaris, Columba livia, Apus apus, Sturnus vulgaris, Passer domesticus sometimes dominate in bird communities in parks and botanical gardens. There are no alien species in forest parks. 4 alien species nest in parks and botanical gardens: Streptopelia decaocto, Dendrocopos syriacus, Phoenicurus ochruros, Serinus serinus (from the last century). Phylloscopus trochiloides was observed for the first time. Nesting of Ph. trochiloides was not confirmed. Alien birds are not evenly distributed (0–3 species). Nest density is low: S. decaocto 0.013±0.01–0.021±0.01, D. syriacus 0.031±0.01–0.043±0.04, Ph. ochruros 0–0.034±0.02, S. serinus 0.013±0.01–0.017±0.01. We assume that alien bird species is an element that replaces the species that were eliminated from the community. Their nesting in forest parks is an indicator of a disruption of the functioning of the forest ecosystem as a result of anthropogenic transformation of the forest. The presence of alien species of birds in modern parks and botanical gardens is normal. Their biotopes were created on the sites of destroyed landscapes and with using alien plant species. Conclusion. In parks and botanical gardens, a specific structure of the plant community has developed due to the introduction of alien plant species, with a tree height of 3–5 m. As a consequence, alien birds find nesting stations in communities of nesting birds, which were not occupied by native species due to the absence of many species of tree canopy nesters and ground nesters birds. Alien species of birds also get access to vacant food resources. Alien birds use vacant resources. It was found that the area of parks has the most profound positive impact on the number of species of alien birds (+0.517), as well as the ratio of alien birds (+0.227). Other important correlations observed were the following: the number of species of alien birds in the bird communities – a part of alien species in plant communities (+0.084), the ratio of alien birds – part of alien species in plant communities (+0.041). The strongest negative connection is as follows: the number of species of alien birds in the bird communities – the number of pets (-0.213), the ratio of alien birds – the number of pets (-0.384).
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Chernyshenko, O. V., V. A. Frolova, and L. P. Zhdanova. "UN strategy and ecosystem sustainability indicators for preserving Moscow’s urban biodiversity." FORESTRY BULLETIN 25, no. 3 (June 2021): 93–102. http://dx.doi.org/10.18698/2542-1468-2021-3-93-102.
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The UN Strategy for Sustainable Urban Development was analyzed taking into account different approaches to assessing biodiversity, ecosystem services, anthropogenic factors and climate change. The City Biodiversity Index or Singapore Index on City Biodiversity (CBI) was used to assess the biodiversity of Moscow. The Singapore index comprises three core sections: 1) native biodiversity, 2) ecosystem services, and 3) governance. 21 indicators have been selected. Each indicator has specific evaluation criteria with a maximum score of 4 points. Data from the Department of Nature Management and Environmental Protection of the City of Moscow, literature sources and the results of social surveys of parks were used to calculate the index. Indicators including estimates of specially protected natural areas, natural and green areas of the city, the number of native and invasive plant species, the diversity of birds, butterflies and other species were calculated.
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van Heezik, Yolanda, Amber Smyth, and Renaud Mathieu. "Diversity of native and exotic birds across an urban gradient in a New Zealand city." Landscape and Urban Planning 87, no. 3 (September 2008): 223–32. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.landurbplan.2008.06.004.
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Lakhani, Leena, Dilip Soni, and Brahmadeep Alune. "DANGERS OF PESTICIDES ON WILDLIFE ECOLOGY." International Journal of Research -GRANTHAALAYAH 3, no. 9SE (September 30, 2015): 1–3. http://dx.doi.org/10.29121/granthaalayah.v3.i9se.2015.3205.
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Wildlife includes plants, insects, fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals and many other animals. Each species has certain niche for its specific food, shelter and breeding site. The place where specie has all of its living requirements becomes that species habitat. The wild life habitats include native and man-made, exist in urban settings, in agricultural fields and in the wilderness. Pesticides applied in many forms to forests, rangeland, aquatic habitats, farmland, urban turf and gardens. Pesticides poisoning to wildlife may result from acute or chronic exposure, via secondary exposure or through indirect effects to the animal.
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Le Louarn, Marine, Philippe Clergeau, Diederik Strubbe, and Magali Deschamps-Cottin. "Dynamic species distribution models reveal spatiotemporal habitat shifts in native range-expanding versus non-native invasive birds in an urban area." Journal of Avian Biology 49, no. 4 (April 2018): jav—01527. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/jav.01527.
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Patankar, Swaroop, Ravi Jambhekar, Kulbhushansingh Ramesh Suryawanshi, and Harini Nagendra. "Which Traits Influence Bird Survival in the City? A Review." Land 10, no. 2 (January 20, 2021): 92. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/land10020092.
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Urbanization poses a major threat to biodiversity worldwide. We focused on birds as a well-studied taxon of interest, in order to review literature on traits that influence responses to urbanization. We review 226 papers that were published between 1979 and 2020, and aggregate information on five major groups of traits that have been widely studied: ecological traits, life history, physiology, behavior and genetic traits. Some robust findings on trait changes in individual species as well as bird communities emerge. A lack of specific food and shelter resources has led to the urban bird community being dominated by generalist species, while specialist species show decline. Urbanized birds differ in the behavioral traits, showing an increase in song frequency and amplitude, and bolder behavior, as compared to rural populations of the same species. Differential food resources and predatory pressure results in changes in life history traits, including prolonged breeding duration, and increases in clutch and brood size to compensate for lower survival. Other species-specific changes include changes in hormonal state, body state, and genetic differences from rural populations. We identify gaps in research, with a paucity of studies in tropical cities and a need for greater examination of traits that influence persistence and success in native vs. introduced populations.
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van Heezik, Yolanda, and Amy Louise Adams. "Vulnerability of native and exotic urban birds to housing densification and changing gardening and landscaping trends." Urban Ecosystems 19, no. 4 (May 15, 2014): 1551–63. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11252-014-0379-7.
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DeGraaf, Richard. "Residential Forest Structure in Urban and Suburban Environments: Some Wildlife Implications in New England." Arboriculture & Urban Forestry 11, no. 8 (August 1, 1985): 236–41. http://dx.doi.org/10.48044/jauf.1985.054.
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Tree populations were compared in residential areas of urban Springfield and suburban Amherst, Massachusetts. The urban environment contains significantly fewer tree species, lower total tree density, no large conifers, a narrower range of tree diameters, and a more park-like condition because the lower margins of tree crowns are positioned higher. Both environments are dominated by relatively few tree species, and contain many exotic species and many species native to the country or region but not occurring locally. The latter compose the majority of metropolitan trees. These differences in residential forest structure contribute to dramatic differences in the composition of breeding birds between the two environments.
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Jones, Zach F., and Carl E. Bock. "Conservation of Grassland Birds in an Urbanizing Landscape: A Historical Perspective." Condor 104, no. 3 (August 1, 2002): 643–51. http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/condor/104.3.643.
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Abstract Landscape alterations resulting from urban expansion are among those factors negatively impacting Great Plains grassland birds. The City and County of Boulder, Colorado, manage one of the largest grassland open-space systems in North America, but it is embedded in an area of rapid urban growth. We compared bird count data from the 1980s and 1990s with checklist information about the Boulder grassland avifauna between 1900 and 1937, with the goal of determining what proportion and which species of the historical grassland avifauna are being sustained on Boulder open space. Of 29 native species present in 1900, 22 (76%) appeared on our counts in the 1990s. Formerly common species that disappeared or declined mostly were birds associated with shortgrass prairie, including Burrowing Owl (Athene cunicularia), Common Nighthawk (Chordeiles minor), Loggerhead Shrike (Lanius ludovicianus), and Lark Bunting (Calamospiza melanocorys). By contrast, species associated with mixed and tallgrass habitats increased or held steady, including Vesper Sparrow (Pooecetes gramineus), Savannah Sparrow (Passerculus sandwichensis), Grasshopper Sparrow (Ammodramus savannarum), Bobolink (Dolichonyx oryzivorus), and Western Meadowlark (Sturnella neglecta). We conclude that municipal open spaces can support populations of many Great Plains grassland birds, but that sustaining species associated with the shortgrass prairie may prove especially challenging. Conservación de Aves de Pastizal en un Paisaje de Crecimiento Urbano: Una Perspectiva Histórica Resumen. La alteración del paisaje causada por la expansión urbana es uno de los factores que impacta negativamente a las aves de los pastizales de los “Great Plains.” La ciudad y el condado de Boulder, Colorado, maneja uno de los sistemas de espacios abiertos de pastizal más grande de Norteamérica, el cual se encuentra rodeado por un área de crecimiento urbano. Comparamos datos de conteo de aves de los 1980s y 1990s con informacíon de la avifauna de Boulder entre 1900 y 1937, con el propósito de determinar qué proporción y cuántas especies de las aves de pastizal registradas históricamente se mantuvieron en los espacios abiertos de Boulder. De 29 especies nativas presentes en 1900, 22 (76%) aparecen en nuestros conteos de los 1990s. Especies anteriormente comunes pero que desaparecieron o disminuyeron en cantidad, fueron aves relacionadas principalmente con praderas de pasto corto, incluyendo Athene cunicularia, Chordeiles minor, Lanius ludovicianus y especialmente Calomospiza melanocorys. Por el contrario, especies asociadas a hábitats mixtos o de pasto alto han aumentado o se han mantenido, incluyendo Pooecetes gramineus, Passerculus sandwichensis, Ammodramus savannarum, Dolichonyx oryzivorus y Sturnella neglecta. Concluimos que los espacios abiertos municipales pueden sostener poblaciones de varias especies de aves de pastizal. Sin embargo, será más difícil mantener aquellas especies que prefieren praderas de pasto corto, porque las áreas continuas y amplias que necesitan, ya no existen.
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Parra-Saldívar, Andrea, Sebastián Abades, Juan L. Celis-Diez, and Stefan Gelcich. "Exploring Perceived Well-Being from Urban Parks: Insights from a Megacity in Latin America." Sustainability 12, no. 18 (September 15, 2020): 7586. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/su12187586.
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Urbanization has impacted biodiversity and ecosystems at a global scale. At the same time, it has been recognized as a driver of the physical and emotional gap between humans and nature. The lack of direct contact with nature can have a negative impact on several aspects of human well-being and change knowledge and attitudes of people towards the environment. However, this phenomenon is still poorly understood in megacities outside developed countries. Here, we explore the relationship between ecological knowledge and self-reported well-being in an important urban park in Santiago, Chile. We conducted semi-structured surveys of park users to explore their beliefs, preferences, ecological knowledge of plants and birds, and self-reported well-being. Citizens associated urban parks mainly with “nature,” and particularly with the presence of trees and plants. Trees were recognized as the most relevant elements of urban parks; in turn, birds were ranked as the less relevant. Regarding formal ecological knowledge, respondents correctly identified an average of 2.01 plants and 2.44 birds out of a total of 10 for each taxon, and exotic species were more likely to be recognized. Park users also reported high scores for self-reported well-being. Interestingly, variance of self-reported well-being scores tended to increase at low levels of ecological knowledge of trees, but no significant relationship was detected with knowledge of birds, nor native species. Ecological knowledge of trees was positively related to self-reported well-being. Results suggest that parks can positively contribute to bring people closer to nature in middle-income countries. Improving ecological knowledge can be critical to restore the relationship between humans and nature in megacities.
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Barratt, D. G. "Predation by House Cats, Felis catus (L.), in Canberra, Australia. I. Prey Composition and Preference." Wildlife Research 24, no. 3 (1997): 263. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/wr96020.
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Studies of predation by house cats in Australia have not attempted to compare the composition of prey taken by cats with the relative availability of prey. Information on the composition of vertebrate prey caught by house cats in Canberra was collected by recording prey deposited at cat owners’ residences over 12 months. A total of 1961 prey representing 67 species were collected or reported. In all, 64% of prey were introduced mammals, especially mice and rats, with birds comprising 27% (14% native, 10% introduced, 3% unidentified), reptiles 7%, amphibians 1% and native mammals 1%. Predatory behaviour by house cats appeared largely opportunistic with respect to spatial (habitat) and temporal (daily and seasonal) prey availability and accessibility, although there is mounting evidence from this and other studies that small mammals are the preferred prey. While this means that introduced mice and rats are common prey of house cats in urban and suburban environments, it also suggests that in relatively undisturbed environments adjoining new residential developments, predation by house cats may have a substantial impact on locally abundant, patchily distributed populations of native fauna, particularly mammals. Imposing night-time curfews on cats is likely to lessen predation of mammals but will probably not greatly reduce predation of birds or reptiles.
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Thomas, Andrew L., and Denny Schrock. "Performance of 67 Native Midwestern U.S. Perennials in a Low-maintenance Landscape." HortTechnology 14, no. 3 (January 2004): 381–88. http://dx.doi.org/10.21273/horttech.14.3.0381.
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Hundreds of perennial plant species native to the midwestern United States have potential as ornamentals, but information on how best to use such plants in the landscape remains scarce. Many horticulturists are looking for species that perform well under low-maintenance conditions and that also attract and benefit desirable fauna, such as butterflies and birds. While many of our native plants may fit into this category, not all such species will meet aesthetic criteria for home landscapes. Some native species respond to seasonal changes in temperature and rainfall by browning or going dormant. Others have very specific site requirements for moisture, soil, and humidity that may be difficult to meet in an urban landscape, or their size, growth habit, or other characteristics may make them aesthetically undesirable in the typical home landscape. This study evaluated the performance of 67 plant taxa native to the midwestern United States selected for their promising potential in a low-maintenance landscape situation.
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Narango, Desirée L., Douglas W. Tallamy, and Peter P. Marra. "Nonnative plants reduce population growth of an insectivorous bird." Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 115, no. 45 (October 22, 2018): 11549–54. http://dx.doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1809259115.
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Human-dominated landscapes represent one of the most rapidly expanding and least-understood ecosystems on earth. Yet, we know little about which features in these landscapes promote sustainable wildlife populations. Historically, in urban areas, landowners have converted native plant communities into habitats dominated by nonnative species that are not susceptible to pest damage and require little maintenance. However, nonnative plants are also poor at supporting insects that are critical food resources for higher order consumers. Despite the logical connection, no study has examined the impact of nonnative plants on subsequent population responses of vertebrate consumers. Here, we demonstrate that residential yards dominated by nonnative plants have lower arthropod abundance, forcing resident Carolina chickadees (Poecile carolinensis) to switch diets to less preferred prey and produce fewer young, or forgo reproduction in nonnative sites altogether. This leads to lower reproductive success and unsustainable population growth in these yards compared with those with >70% native plant biomass. Our results reveal that properties landscaped with nonnative plants function as population sinks for insectivorous birds. To promote sustainable food webs, urban planners and private landowners should prioritize native plant species.
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FitzGibbon, Sean I., and Darryl N. Jones. "A community-based wildlife survey: the knowledge and attitudes of residents of suburban Brisbane, with a focus on bandicoots." Wildlife Research 33, no. 3 (2006): 233. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/wr04029.
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Within the expanding city of Brisbane in south-east Queensland, numerous fragments of native and regrowth vegetation are scattered across the largely urbanised landscape. These fragments provide refuge to a great diversity of native wildlife, and provide residents with the opportunity to experience nature on their doorstep. To assess the diversity and abundance of this wildlife, recent changes in these parameters, and the value of wildlife and bushland fragments to residents of Brisbane, a questionnaire survey was distributed to 300 households each located adjacent to one of 38 urban bushland fragments. A total of 172 surveys (57%) were returned, producing 768 records of 83 fauna species, dominated by birds and mammals; bandicoots were widely reported from the 38 fragments. Several historical records provided evidence of recent local extinctions within fragments, highlighting the continuing declines in various species of native wildlife within Brisbane. Several human–wildlife conflicts were identified, but overall residents were tolerant of such conflicts. Bandicoots were disliked by a small minority (3%) of residents owing to the holes they dig in lawns and gardens in search of food, and their potential as vectors of ticks. Most respondents expressed an appreciation for the presence of native wildlife (96%) and bushland fragments (97%) in their local area, emphasising the importance of incorporating human dimension values into the management of this urban biodiversity.
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Khaleque, Tanjina. "Nesting in the City: Urban Environment That Invites Wildlife." Academic Research Community publication 5, no. 1 (October 28, 2021): 26. http://dx.doi.org/10.21625/archive.v5i1.810.
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This study explores how important it is to keep the ecosystem in balance, maintaining healthy biodiversity in urban areas. It also seeks ways in which a growing metropolitan like Dhaka can be friendly for wildlife. Modern cities are becoming more and more hostile to fauna which eventually affects humans also. The damage done over decades cannot be rectified overnight. The approach will be in different phases that address ecological succession. The paper suggests ways urban design can aid biodiversity. A minor consideration as the introduction of nectar-producing plants may increase the honeybee population. The urban landscape should be such that it favors insects or birds. To achieve this, complementary plants should be selected that can nurture an ecosystem.This research looks for options that can be applied in Dhaka’s context. The symbiosis between native wildlife and humans is studied. Exemplary design solutions for urban built areas as flyovers, bus stops or road medians are proposed.
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Fardell, Loren L., Chris R. Pavey, and Chris R. Dickman. "Backyard Biomes: Is Anyone There? Improving Public Awareness of Urban Wildlife Activity." Diversity 14, no. 4 (March 30, 2022): 263. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/d14040263.
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Wildlife are increasingly being found in urban habitats, and likely rely on some resources in suburban household yards, which exposes them to the effects of yard management and human and pet activities. We compared the relationships between these potential disturbances and benefits to the number of different types of wildlife sighted by householders, using written surveys. Owing to the inability of many household respondents to identify animals to the species or genus level, each different ‘type’ of animal individually listed was counted to generate the total number of types of wildlife observed by each household. We found that relatively more types of wildlife were observed by residents whose yards provided ease of faunal access under or through fences, had reduced pesticide use, increased levels of anthropogenic noise, and increased presence of pets in yards. The latter two associations likely relate to the increased opportunities to observe wildlife in yards that each creates. We also investigated the use of yards by wildlife and domestic pets in open compared to more vegetated habitats by day and night, using motion-sensor cameras. All animals observed were compared to the activity of introduced brown and black rats (Rattus norvegicus, R. rattus), owing to their wild origins but long commensal history with humans. Camera images indicated that animals’ natural activity periods were maintained in yards. Brown antechinuses (Antechinus stuartii), northern brown bandicoots (Isoodon macrourus), domestic cats (Felis catus) and native birds (species as listed below) each preferred sheltered or vegetated habitats over open habitats, when compared to the introduced rats that showed little habitat preference. However, unlike the other species, the native birds used open areas more than vegetated or sheltered areas when compared within their group only. The common brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) was observed to use open areas comparatively more than the introduced rats, but used vegetated or sheltered habitats more when compared to self only. The domestic dog (Canis familiaris) and red fox (Vulpes vulpes) used open areas more than vegetated or sheltered areas, when compared to the introduced rats, and against themselves. This indicated a level of coping with urban stressors by the native animals, but with a reliance on more vegetated habitats to allow for natural stress-relieving behaviours of escape or hiding. Here, we offer insights into how each of these findings may be used to help educate and motivate increased household responsibility for urban wildlife conservation.
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Poessel, S. A., E. C. Mock, and S. W. Breck. "Coyote (Canis latrans) diet in an urban environment: variation relative to pet conflicts, housing density, and season." Canadian Journal of Zoology 95, no. 4 (April 2017): 287–97. http://dx.doi.org/10.1139/cjz-2016-0029.
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Coyotes (Canis latrans Say, 1823) are highly successful in urbanized environments, but as they populate cities, conflict can occur and often manifests in the form of incidents with pets. To better understand whether coyotes view pets as prey or, alternatively, as competitors or a threat, we conducted a diet analysis of coyotes in the Denver metropolitan area (DMA) by analyzing scats. We also examined differences in diet between high- and low-density housing and among seasons. We found only small percentages of trash and domestic pets in the coyote diet. The presence of pets in the diet did not coincide with the increase of pet conflicts in the DMA in December and January, supporting the hypothesis that coyote conflict with pets is primarily driven by competition or a threat response. Coyotes relied mostly on native plant and animal species, and rodents and lagomorphs were the most prevalent diet items. Coyotes consumed rodents and non-native plants more often in high-density housing and deer, corn, and native plants more often in low-density housing. Coyotes also consumed more fruits and invertebrates during summer and autumn and more mammals and birds in winter and spring. As human–coyote conflicts increase in urban areas, understanding how coyotes and other urban-adapted carnivores use anthropogenic resources may provide insight that can be used to promote coexistence between humans and wildlife.
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Villaseñor, Nélida R., Martín A. H. Escobar, and H. Jaime Hernández. "Can aggregated patterns of urban woody vegetation cover promote greater species diversity, richness and abundance of native birds?" Urban Forestry & Urban Greening 61 (June 2021): 127102. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ufug.2021.127102.
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Pylypec, Bohdan. "Trends in Bird Densities at a Remnant Fescue Grassland in Saskatchewan." Canadian Field-Naturalist 131, no. 2 (October 29, 2017): 170–78. http://dx.doi.org/10.22621/cfn.v131i2.1904.
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Populations of grassland birds in North America have declined greatly in the past five decades. Hypothesized drivers of decline include habitat loss, fragmentation, and adverse impacts from human activities. At a remnant fescue grassland in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan numbers of Savannah Sparrow (Passerculus sandwichensis), Western Meadowlark (Sturnella neglecta), Brewer’s Blackbird (Euphagus cyanocephalus), and Vesper Sparrow (Pooecetes gramineus) have been stable. Numbers of clay-colored Sparrow (Spizella pallida) have increased since the 1960s. Sprague’s Pipit (Anthus spragueii), Upland Sandpiper (Bartramia longicauda), and Burrowing Owl (Athene cunicularia) are no longer present. Baird’s Sparrow (Ammodramus bairdii), Bobolink (Dolichonyx oryzivorus), and Horned Lark (Eremophila alpestris) have become irregular visitors. In the past 50 years, 91 species have been observed displaying territorial behaviour, feeding, nesting, or migrating at this remnant native grassland. With encroaching urban development and increased human influence at the prairie and surrounding area, the impacts on the bird communities at the site in the future are unknown.
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Hernández-Brito, Dailos, Martina Carrete, Guillermo Blanco, Pedro Romero-Vidal, Juan Carlos Senar, Emiliano Mori, Thomas H. White, Álvaro Luna, and José L. Tella. "The Role of Monk Parakeets as Nest-Site Facilitators in Their Native and Invaded Areas." Biology 10, no. 7 (July 19, 2021): 683. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/biology10070683.
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While most of the knowledge on invasive species focuses on their impacts, little is known about their potential positive effects on other species. Invasive ecosystem engineers can disrupt recipient environments; however, they may also facilitate access to novel resources for native species. The monk parakeet (Myiopsitta monachus) is a worldwide invader and the only parrot that builds its own communal nests, which can be used by other species. However, the ecological effects of these interspecific interactions are barely known. We compared the role of the monk parakeet as a nest-site facilitator in different rural and urban areas, both invaded and native, across three continents and eight breeding seasons. A total of 2690 nests from 42 tenant species, mostly cavity-nesting birds, were recorded in 26% of 2595 monk parakeet nests. Rural and invaded areas showed the highest abundance and richness of tenant species. Multispecies communal nests triggered interspecific aggression between the monk parakeet host and its tenants, but also a cooperative defense against predators. Despite the positive effects for native species, monk parakeets also facilitate nesting opportunities to other non-native species and may also transmit diseases to tenants, highlighting the complexity of biotic interactions in biological invasions.
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Hennings, Lori A., and W. Daniel Edge. "Riparian Bird Community Structure in Portland, Oregon: Habitat, Urbanization, and Spatial Scale Patterns." Condor 105, no. 2 (May 1, 2003): 288–302. http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/condor/105.2.288.
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Abstract In 1999, we surveyed breeding bird and plant communities along 54 streams in the Portland, Oregon, metropolitan region to link bird community metrics with structural and spatial characteristics of urban riparian areas. Canonical correspondence analysis produced two explanatory axes relating to vegetation and road density. Total and non-native bird abundance was higher in narrow forests. Native bird abundance was greater in narrow forests surrounded by undeveloped lands; native species richness and diversity were greater in less-developed areas. Native resident and short-distance-migrant abundance was higher in narrow forests, and diversity was positively associated with developed lands. Neotropical migrant abundance, richness, and diversity were greater in open-canopied areas with fewer roads. We examined spatial relationships by regressing bird variables on satellite-derived forest canopy cover, area of undeveloped lands, and street density in a series of 50-m buffers within a 500-m radius around study sites. Non-native bird abundance decreased with increasing canopy cover within 450 m, but most other relationships were strongest at smaller scales (50–100 m). Our results suggest that increasing urban canopy cover is the most valuable land management action for conserving native breeding birds. A hierarchical scheme for Neotropical migrant conservation might include increasing forest canopy within 450 m of streams to control non-native species and cowbirds; reducing street density within a 100-m radius of streams; and conserving or planting onsite native trees and shrubs. Estructura de Comunidades Riparias de Aves en Portland, Oregon: Hábitat, Urbanización y Patrones de Escala Espacial Resumen. Censamos las comunidades de aves reproductivas y plantas a lo largo de 54 arroyos en el área metropolitana de Portland, Oregon en 1999 para conectar medidas de comunidades de aves con características estructurales y espaciales de zonas riparias urbanas. Análisis de correspondencia canónica produjeron dos ejes explicativos relacionados con la vegetación y la densidad de carreteras. La abundancia total de aves y la de aves no nativas fueron mayores en bosques estrechos. La abundancia de aves nativas fue mayor en bosques estrechos rodeados por terrenos rurales y la riqueza y diversidad de especies fueron mayores en áreas menos desarrolladas. La abundancia de residentes nativas y migratorias de corta distancia fue mayor en bosques estrechos y su diversidad estuvo asociada positivamente con terrenos desarrollados. La abundancia, riqueza y diversidad de las migratorias neotropicales fueron mayores en áreas de dosel abierto y con pocas carreteras. Examinamos las relaciones espaciales mediante regresiones entre variables de aves y la cobertura del dosel derivada de imágenes satelitales, el área de terrenos sin desarrollar y la densidad de calles en una serie de áreas de 50 m de ancho en un radio de 500 m alrededor de los sitios de estudio. La abundancia de aves no nativas disminuyó con aumentos en la cobertura del dosel hasta 450 m, pero la mayoría de las demás relaciones fueron más fuertes a escalas menores (50–100 m). Nuestros resultados sugieren que el incremento de la cobertura del dosel en áreas urbanas es la estrategia de manejo más valiosa para conservar las aves nativas que se reproducen en el área. Un esquema jerárquico para la conservación de las migratorias neotropicales podría incluir aumentar la cobertura de bosque a menos de 450 m de los arroyos para controlar a las especies no nativas y a los Molothrus, reducir la densidad de calles dentro de un radio de 100 m alrededor de los arroyos y conservar o plantar árboles y arbustos nativos.
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Zúñiga, A. H., J. R. Rau, V. Fuenzalida, and R. Sandoval. "Diet Composition of the Austral Pygmy Owl in a Peri-Urban Protected Area in South-Central Chile." Zoodiversity 56, no. 5 (2022): 413–18. http://dx.doi.org/10.15407/zoo2022.05.413.
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The diet of the Austral Pygmy Owl, Glaucidium nana, a small raptor, was studied by pellet analysis. During fall of 2020, 52 pellets were collected in a peri-urban protected area. Amongst 122 prey items, Muridae, represented exclusively by the alien species Rattus rattus and Rattus norvegicus, made up 35.24 % by number and 67.1 % of the biomass, followed by native Cricetidae, at a 37.69 % by number and 17.9 % by biomass. In the last place in relative frequency were birds and arthropods. The biomass contribution was unequal among the different prey, being the alien prey the group with the highest profit. The role of the landscape in the composition of prey in the observed trophic spectrum is discussed.
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Vilarta, Marcelo Rodrigues, William Wittkoff, Crisomar Lobato, Rubens de Aquino Oliveira, Nívia Gláucia Pinto Pereira, and Luís Fábio Silveira. "Reintroduction of the Golden Conure (Guaruba guarouba) in Northern Brazil: Establishing a Population in a Protected Area." Diversity 13, no. 5 (May 8, 2021): 198. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/d13050198.
Full textAbstract:
Brazil has the highest number of parrots in the world and the greatest number of threatened species. The Golden Conure is endemic to the Brazilian Amazon forest and it is currently considered as threatened by extinction, although it is fairly common in captivity. Here we report the first reintroduction of this species. The birds were released in an urban park in Belem, capital of Para State, where the species was extinct more than a century ago. Birds were trained to recognize and consume local food and to avoid predators. After the soft-release, with food supplementation and using nest boxes, we recorded breeding activity in the wild. The main challenges before the release were the territorial disputes within the aviary and the predation by boa snakes. During the post-release monitoring the difficulties were the fast dispersion of some individuals and the dangers posed by anthropic elements such as power lines that caused some fatalities. Released birds were very successful at finding and consuming native foods, evading predators, and one pair reproduced successfully. Monitoring continues and further releases are programmed to establish an ecologically viable population.
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Stephens, Colton R. A., Breanne M. McAmmond, Jonathan D. Van Hamme, Ken A. Otter, Matthew W. Reudink, and Eric M. Bottos. "Analysis of bacterial communities associated with Mountain Chickadees (Poecile gambeli) across urban and rural habitats." Canadian Journal of Microbiology 67, no. 8 (August 2021): 572–83. http://dx.doi.org/10.1139/cjm-2020-0320.
Full textAbstract:
Host-associated microbial communities play important roles in wildlife health, but these dynamics can be influenced by environmental factors. Urbanization has numerous effects on wildlife; however, the degree to which wildlife-associated bacterial communities and potential bacterial pathogens vary across urban–rural/native habitat gradients remains largely unknown. We used 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing to examine bacterial communities found on Mountain Chickadee (Poecile gambeli) feathers and nests in urban and rural habitats. The feathers and nests in urban and rural sites had similar abundances of major bacterial phyla and dominant genera with pathogenic members. However, richness of bacterial communities and potential pathogens on birds were higher in urban habitats, and potential pathogens accounted for some of the differences in bacterial occurrence between urban and rural environments. We predicted habitat using potential pathogen occurrence with a 90% success rate for feather bacteria, and a 72.2% success rate for nest bacteria, suggesting an influence of urban environments on the presence of potential pathogens. We additionally observed similarities in bacterial communities between nests and their occupants, suggesting bacterial transmission between them. These findings improve our understanding of the bacterial communities associated with urban wildlife and suggest that urbanization impacts the composition of wildlife-associated bacterial communities.
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Nava-Díaz, Remedios, Rubén Pineda-López, and Alfredo Dorantes-Euan. "Drivers of Functional Composition of Bird Assemblages in Green Spaces of a Neotropical City: A Case Study From Merida, Mexico." Tropical Conservation Science 13 (January 2020): 194008292092389. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/1940082920923896.
Full textAbstract:
Given current urbanization trends, understanding the factors that affect local biodiversity is paramount for designing sound management practices. Existing evidence suggests that the assembly of urban communities is influenced by the environmental filtering of organisms based on their traits. Here, we investigate how environmental characteristics including isolation measurements affect the functional composition of avian assemblages in green spaces of Merida, Mexico, a Neotropical city. We sampled 22 sites, analyzed point-count data collected during fall migration, and characterized the habitat with regard to floristic and structural vegetation attributes, vegetation cover within green spaces, urban infrastructure, and isolation. We assessed the relationship between habitat descriptors and bird functional traits using RLQ and fourth-corner tests and compared trait–environment associations between resident and wintering species. Our results showed that functional composition of resident bird assemblages was linked to the environmental characteristics of the site, while the functional composition of wintering species was not. In particular, the degree of isolation revealed to be an important determinant of trait composition. Plant species richness, particularly native tree and shrub species, were critical for the functional composition of resident birds in green spaces. Our findings suggested shifts in body mass from less to more isolated green spaces. Specifically, we observed that large-bodied species predominated in isolated green spaces. This information is useful given the predicted increases in habitat isolation and transformation of green spaces due to urbanization.
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Figueiredo, Rodolfo Antônio de, Aline Aparecida de Oliveira, Maria Alice Zacharias, Sandra Maria Barbosa, Flávia Fontes Pereira, Gisele Natacha Cazela, Joyce Pedroso Viana, and Reila Andreza de Camargo. "Reproductive ecology of the exotic tree Muntingia calabura L. (Muntingiaceae) in southeastern Brazil." Revista Árvore 32, no. 6 (December 2008): 993–99. http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/s0100-67622008000600004.
Full textAbstract:
The exotic tree Muntingia calabura L. (Muntingiaceae), a species native to Central America, is used as fish feed and fiber and cellulose production in Brazil. This study was carried out in urban areas and verified the reproductive biology of this plant species. Flower and fruit morphology, compatibility system, reproductive phenology, pollination and frugivore animals, and germination of disseminated seeds were recorded by standard field and laboratory procedures. This tree is self-compatible and autonomously self-pollinated, with its flowers being mainly visited by bees and its fruits consumed by birds and bats. Germination of its dispersed seeds is fast and occurs at a high rate. The results of this work suggest that M. calabura is very adaptable to cultivated areas,thus being an excellent choice for urban reforestation. However, its reproductive characteristics place this plant as an invasive species with significant potential in southeastern Brazil.