Dietary breadth as a predictor of potential native avian–human conflict in urban landscapes

2013 ◽  
Vol 40 (6) ◽  
pp. 482 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kerry E. Charles ◽  
Wayne L. Linklater
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Population Growth ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Food Sources ◽  
Urban Landscapes ◽  
Theoretic Approach ◽  
Landscape Characteristics ◽  
Dietary Breadth ◽  
Human Conflict

Context Avian–human conflict is a growing issue in urban areas, yet studies of conflict tend to be species and situation specific and focus on landscape characteristics that generate or exacerbate the problem. Aims To determine characteristics of bird species that cause conflict in urban areas within their native range and to develop a model that can be used to assess the relative likelihood of a New Zealand species causing conflict in the future. Methods Ecological, behavioural and life-history characteristics of 33 conflict-causing species identified from the literature and 106 randomly selected non-conflict congeners were compared using an information-theoretic approach to multi-model selection and inference. Variables from the confidence set of models were used to develop a model that was applied to the New Zealand urban avifauna to provide a relative measure of a species’ potential to generate conflict. Key results A model including only dietary breadth best explained the conflict (ωi = 0.833). Using dietary breadth, flocking, clutch size, granivory, territoriality and non-ground nesting – the confidence model set – New Zealand’s native pukeko (Porphyrio porphyria), red-billed gull, (Larus scopulinus), and kākā (Nestor meridionalis) were identified as the three species most likely to generate conflict with urban residents. Conclusions Broad dietary requirements may allow a species to take advantage of novel and varied food sources in the urban environment and lead to population growth. Large populations at high density may amplify problems, exceeding residents’ tolerance levels and resulting in conflict. Species characteristics relating to nesting, sociality and body size were found to be uninformative. Implications Species with a broad diet, particularly those identified by this study as having a high potential for conflict, should be the focus of monitoring to identify population growth and the emergence of problems in urban areas. This will allow proactive implementation of management, improving the likelihood of conflict mitigation.

Quantifying trends and predictors of decline in eastern grey kangaroo (Macropus giganteus) populations in a rapidly urbanising landscape

2018 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 63 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth A. Brunton ◽  
Sanjeev K. Srivastava ◽  
David S. Schoeman ◽  
Scott Burnett
Keyword(s):  
Population Growth ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Human Population ◽  
Urban Expansion ◽  
Natural Habitat ◽  
Urban Landscapes ◽  
Human Population Growth ◽  
Terrestrial Mammals ◽  
Grey Kangaroo ◽  
The Impact

Human population growth and the resultant expansion of urban landscapes are drivers of biodiversity loss globally. Impacts of urbanisation on wildlife are not well understood, although the importance of preserving biodiversity in urban areas is widely recognised. The eastern grey kangaroo (Macropus giganteus), a common species of large macropod, can be found in high densities in many urban landscapes across Australia. South East Queensland is a subtropical region of Australia that has experienced high rates of urban expansion. Human population growth in the region has resulted in widespread changes to the landscape and much of the eastern grey kangaroo’s natural habitat has been modified. Declines in kangaroo populations have been anecdotally reported; however, the impact of urbanisation on kangaroo populations has not been quantified. This study used a modelling approach, collecting data from the community, and private and government organisations to: (1) map the current distribution of eastern grey kangaroos; (2) quantify trends in kangaroo abundance; and (3) identify anthropogenic drivers of changes in kangaroo abundance in the region. Of the kangaroo populations identified, 42% were reported to have undergone an overall decline in abundance since 2000. Higher human population growth rate and smaller area remaining under natural land use were predictors of kangaroo population declines. Further kangaroo declines can be anticipated in the region, particularly in areas with projected human population growth rates over 80% for the next decade. This study emphasises the importance of integrated urban development over large spatial extents to mitigate impacts of urbanisation on terrestrial mammals.

scholarly journals Optimal foraging in seasonal environments: implications for residency of Australian flying foxes in food-subsidized urban landscapes

2018 ◽  
Vol 373 (1745) ◽  
pp. 20170097 ◽  
Author(s):  
David J. Páez ◽  
Olivier Restif ◽  
Peggy Eby ◽  
Raina K. Plowright
Keyword(s):  
Residence Time ◽  
Optimal Foraging ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Optimal Foraging Theory ◽  
Food Sources ◽  
Urban Landscapes ◽  
Resource Subsidies ◽  
Flying Foxes ◽  
Native Forests ◽  
Native Habitats

Bats provide important ecosystem services such as pollination of native forests; they are also a source of zoonotic pathogens for humans and domestic animals. Human-induced changes to native habitats may have created more opportunities for bats to reside in urban settings, thus decreasing pollination services to native forests and increasing opportunities for zoonotic transmission. In Australia, fruit bats ( Pteropus spp. flying foxes) are increasingly inhabiting urban areas where they feed on anthropogenic food sources with nutritional characteristics and phenology that differ from native habitats. We use optimal foraging theory to investigate the relationship between bat residence time in a patch, the time it takes to search for a new patch (simulating loss of native habitat) and seasonal resource production. We show that it can be beneficial to reside in a patch, even when food productivity is low, as long as foraging intensity is low and the expected searching time is high. A small increase in the expected patch searching time greatly increases the residence time, suggesting nonlinear associations between patch residence and loss of seasonal native resources. We also found that sudden increases in resource consumption due to an influx of new bats has complex effects on patch departure times that again depend on expected searching times and seasonality. Our results suggest that the increased use of urban landscapes by bats may be a response to new spatial and temporal configurations of foraging opportunities. Given that bats are reservoir hosts of zoonotic diseases, our results provide a framework to study the effects of foraging ecology on disease dynamics. One contribution of 14 to a theme isssue ‘Anthropogenic resource subsidies and host–parasite dynamics in wildlife’.

scholarly journals Vineyards, but not cities, are associated with lower presence of a generalist bird, the Common Blackbird (Turdus merula), in Western France

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Bertille Mohring ◽  
François Brischoux ◽  
Frédéric Angelier
Keyword(s):  
Urban Areas ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Common Species ◽  
Fine Scale ◽  
Generalist Species ◽  
Landscape Characteristics ◽  
Turdus Merula ◽  
The Common ◽  
Positive Effect ◽  
Common Blackbird

Abstract Background Land-use change is one of the main drivers of the global erosion of biodiversity. In that context, it is crucial to understand how landscape characteristics drive the presence of rare endangered species. Nevertheless, it is also important to study common species in multiple habitats, because they represent a large proportion of biodiversity and are essential to maintain ecological functions. Interestingly, some habitats, as farmlands with permanent crops (e.g. vineyards), have been overlooked in the literature. Methods In this study, we investigated the distribution of a widespread and common bird species, the Common Blackbird (Turdus merula), within and between the three main habitats of our study area (rural Western France). We specifically focused on (1) woodlands, (2) farmlands with a high vineyard coverage, and (3) moderately urbanized areas. Specifically, we aimed to assess the beneficial and detrimental effects of these habitats and their fine-scale composition on the presence of a common bird species, relying on a survey by point counts (nearly 100 locations). We studied the effects of habitats and gradients of fine-scale habitat composition on blackbird presence using logistic regression analyses. Results Blackbirds were present in all studied habitats. However, their presence varied between habitats, being lower in vineyards than in woodlands and cities. In woodlands and cities, fine-scale analyses did not reveal any component driving the species’ presence. However, we found that shrub and tree vegetation cover had a significant positive effect on blackbird presence in vineyards. Conclusions Our results are in agreement with the definition of a generalist species. Interestingly, species distribution varied between habitats. The high presence of blackbirds in urban areas suggests that medium-sized cities, despite their artificialization, do not constrain the settlement of this former forest specialist and that green spaces may allow blackbirds to thrive in medium-sized cities. On the contrary, we found an impoverished presence of blackbirds in vineyards and a positive effect of vegetation on their presence in these landscapes. This suggests that permanent crops, and more generally farmlands, may impose important constraints to common species. Future studies should examine how to enhance biodiversity through agricultural management policies, especially in vineyards.

scholarly journals Bringing the city to the country: relationships between streetscape vegetation type and bird assemblages in a major regional centre

2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Brendan S Champness ◽  
Grant C Palmer ◽  
James A Fitzsimons
Keyword(s):  
Urban Areas ◽  
Vegetation Type ◽  
Habitat Type ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Urban Landscapes ◽  
Residential Areas ◽  
Habitat Types ◽  
Bird Assemblages ◽  
Regional Centre ◽  
Remnant Vegetation

Abstract Urbanisation is a leading cause of biodiversity loss and habitat fragmentation internationally, and the conservation of representative native assemblages is a challenge confronting environmental managers in expanding urban landscapes. This study investigates the bird assemblages occurring in a rapidly growing regional centre, Ballarat, southeastern Australia. It aims to examine the relationships between urbanisation and bird communities in a regional city by investigating the differences in bird assemblage composition related to the type of vegetation (native or exotic) in urban streetscapes. Bird surveys were completed across four broad habitat types: remnant vegetation, exotic streetscapes, native streetscapes and newly developed streetscapes. Each habitat type had three 1 ha replicate sites. Results show that remnant vegetation fringing residential areas and native streetscapes supported around 60% more native bird species than exotic and newly developed streetscapes. Avian species composition was significantly different between broad habitat types, with remnant vegetation and native streetscapes maintaining representative native bird assemblages, but exotic streetscapes and newly developed streetscapes were dominated by introduced birds. Our results show that, for representative native bird assemblages to be maintained in urban areas, the maintenance of remnant and native vegetation is essential.

Habitat use by grey-crowned babbler, Pomatostomus temporalis, in urban and peri-urban environments

2017 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 88
Author(s):  
Kathryn Teare Ada Lambert ◽  
Hugh Ford
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Use ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Native Species ◽  
Woody Debris ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Ground Cover ◽  
Urban Environments ◽  
High Rate ◽  
Habitat Requirements ◽  
Urban Landscapes

Habitat loss in the urban environment leads to a high rate of local extinction of native fauna. In contrast, where key habitat structures, such as woody debris, shrubs and trees, are maintained, urban landscapes can retain many native species. To manage urban habitats successfully for urban bird communities, it is, therefore, necessary to understand the habitat requirements of the species using them. We have previously shown that the grey-crowned babbler, Pomatostomus temporalis, exhibits similar mean weight, sex ratio and group size in natural and altered habitat in and around Dubbo, New South Wales. In the present study, we detail the movements and habitat use of the groups that inhabit urban areas. We found that groups behaved similarly in urban and peri-urban areas, but showed small differences in the frequency of behaviours, based on the habitat feature that was available. The results suggested that, despite the decline of the grey-crowned babbler in the southern parts of its range, this species is able to survive in altered habitats, if nesting habitat and ground cover remain available and neighbouring groups persist nearby. Because other woodland bird species have shown similar responses to urban environments, managers of urban parkland should provide foraging substrates for a variety of woodland bird species, including vulnerable species, to ameliorate threatening processes and protect key habitat requirements.

Animal reintroductions in peopled landscapes: moving towards urban-based species restorations in New Zealand

2018 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 349 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yolanda van Heezik ◽  
Philip J. Seddon
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Ecosystem Services ◽  
Habitat Quality ◽  
National Parks ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Native Species ◽  
Urban Landscapes ◽  
Public And Private ◽  
Adults And Children

Urban areas are highly modified landscapes that can support significant biodiversity, including threatened species, although native species are usually present at low densities and several native species will be absent. The most powerful tool for increasing urban biodiversity is supporting existing biodiversity through appropriately designed and managed public and private greenspaces, and improving habitat quality. However, if a more proactive strategy is required to overcome recolonisation barriers, then reintroduction is another powerful tool to enhance biodiversity across urban landscapes. The health of cities, in terms of biodiversity, ecosystem services, and the quality of the nature experiences accessed by adults and children largely depends on how much human communities value and know about nature. While community-driven habitat restorations can improve biodiversity and increase human–nature connection, reintroduction of appropriate species could fill ecological gaps that would otherwise remain empty, and further enrich biodiversity in residents’ nearby neighbourhoods. New Zealand is currently a hotspot of reintroduction activity, but these take place in relatively unmodified terrestrial sites, such as national parks, restored offshore islands, and fenced eco-sanctuaries. We review global examples of animal reintroductions taking place within areas modified by human activity, and, using information elicited from 18 experts, consider potential reintroduction candidates, and consider the benefits, opportunities, challenges, and requirements for the reintroduction of native species into New Zealand’s urban areas.

scholarly journals Nature-Based Deployment Strategies for Multiple Paces of Change: The Case of Oimachi, Japan

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 143-161 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rob Roggema ◽  
Nico Tillie ◽  
Greg Keeffe ◽  
Wanglin Yan
Keyword(s):  
Urban Areas ◽  
Urban Environments ◽  
Response Analysis ◽  
Urban Landscapes ◽  
Urban Context ◽  
Landscape Characteristics ◽  
Deployment Strategy ◽  
Planning Approach ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
The Right

In this article a planning approach is proposed to accommodate different paces of urbanisation. Instead of responding to a single problem with a Pavlov-type of response, analysis shows that the transformational tempi of different urban landscapes require multiple deployment strategies to develop urban environments that are sustainable and resilient. The application of nature-based solutions, enhancing both human and natural health in cities, is used as the foundation for the design of deployment strategies that respond to different paces of urban change. The results show that urban characteristics, such as population density and built space is, partly, dependent on the underlying landscape characteristics, therefore show specific development pathways. To create liveable and sustainable urban areas that can deal holistically with a range of intertwined problems, specific deployment strategies should be used in each specific urban context. This benefits the city-precinct as a whole and at the local scale. Even small nature-based solutions, applied as the right deployment strategy in the right context, have profound impact as the starting point of a far-reaching urban transformation. The case-study for Oimachi in Japan illustrates how this planning approach can be applied, how the different urban rhythms are identified, and to which results this leads.

Carbon sequestration in urban landscapes: the example of a turfgrass system in New Zealand

Soil Research ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 46 (7) ◽  
pp. 610 ◽  
Author(s):  
Keun Young Huh ◽  
Markus Deurer ◽  
Siva Sivakumaran ◽  
Keith McAuliffe ◽  
Nanthi S. Bolan
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Carbon Sequestration ◽  
Microbial Activity ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
C Sequestration ◽  
Urban Landscapes ◽  
Putting Greens ◽  
Soil C ◽  
Over 40 Years ◽  
Soil C Sequestration

Soil carbon sequestration was analysed in the topsoil (0–0.25 m) of putting greens of different ages (5, 9, 20, 30, 40 years) in a golf course in Palmerston North, New Zealand. The soil texture was the same for all putting greens and the intensive management guaranteed that the carbon (C) inputs to the soil were very similar for all ages. Significant and linear soil C sequestration rates occurred for 40 years. The soil C sequestration rate in 0–0.25 m depth was 69 ± 8 g/m2.year over a 40-year period totalling 28 t/ha over 40 years. The relative microbial activity (dehydrogenase activity/total soil C content) representing the bioavailability of soil C decreased by about 50% over 40 years. The C sequestration and decrease of bioavailability of soil C was much more pronounced in 0.1–0.25 m depth than in the top 0.1 m. In the top 0.1 m, very little C sequestration occurred, most probably due to the intensive soil management in this depth. We concluded that the C sequestration was mainly caused by the increasing humification of C in the undisturbed part of the soil (0.1–0.25 m depth) as was indicated by a significant decrease in the relative microbial activity. Turfgrass systems such as putting greens are well suited to sequester C in urban areas.

scholarly journals Floodplain Forests and Urban Parks – A Brief Comparison of Bird Diversity

2021 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ivo Machar ◽  
Karel Poprach ◽  
Luděk Praus ◽  
Luboš Úradníček
Keyword(s):  
Urban Areas ◽  
Cultural Landscapes ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Alpha Diversity ◽  
Urban Parks ◽  
Bird Diversity ◽  
Urban Landscapes ◽  
Floodplain Forests ◽  
The Czech Republic ◽  
The City

Abstract Urbanization in cultural landscapes generally tends to select for omnivorous, granivorous, and cavity/hole nesting bird species in green urban areas. Studies on bird diversity in the cities are important to better understanding to the ecology of urban and sub-urban landscapes. The aim of this study was research on bird diversity in urban parks in Olomouc city in order to brief comparison with bird diversity in hardwood floodplain forest habitats based on our older above-mentioned study. Bird diversity in urban parks was very similar to the bird diversity in some localities of floodplain forests from the Czech Republic. Comparison between urban parks and hardwood floodplain forests in the vicinity of the city revealed a high similarity of alpha-diversity and diversity indexes. These results indicated that large urban parks have nearly the same importance for bird diversity such as managed hardwood floodplain forests. Results highlighted an importance of urban green areas for biodiversity maintaining in European cultural landscapes.

scholarly journals Wildlife Affordances of Urban Infrastructure: A Framework to Understand Human-Wildlife Space Use

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chase A. Niesner ◽  
Rachel V. Blakey ◽  
Daniel T. Blumstein ◽  
Eric S. Abelson
Keyword(s):  
Urban Areas ◽  
Movement Ecology ◽  
Urban Infrastructure ◽  
Columba Livia ◽  
Urban Wildlife ◽  
Urban Landscapes ◽  
Landscape Characteristics ◽  
Human Perceptions ◽  
Species Specific ◽  
Human Wildlife Conflict

Landscape affordances, what the environment offers an animal, are inherently species-specific to the extent that each taxon has unique needs and responses to landscape characteristics. Wildlife responses to landscape features range on a continuum from avoidance to attraction and quantifying these habits are the backbone of wildlife movement ecology. In anthropogenically modified landscapes, many taxa do not occupy areas heavily influenced by humans, while some species seem to flourish, such as coyotes (Canis latrans) and pigeons (Columba livia). Sufficient overlap in landscapes designed for human purposes (e.g., freeway underpasses, channelized waterways, and cemeteries) but which are also suitable for wildlife (e.g., by providing sources of food, shelter, and refuge) underlies wildlife persistence in urban areas and is increasingly important in the world's largest metropoles. Studying these overlapping worlds of humans and wildlife in cities provides a rich foundation for broadening human perceptions of cities as ecosystems that exhibit emergent hybridity, whereby certain anthropogenic features of urban landscapes can be used by wildlife even as they maintain their utility for humans. By examining scaling dynamics of the infrastructural signature, the phenomena of urban wildlife movement patterns conforming to the shapes of human infrastructural forms, we hope to expand on prior research in wildlife landscape ecology by stressing the importance of understanding the overlapping worlds of humans and wildlife. Further knowledge of the urban ecological commons is necessary to better design cities where emergent hybridity is leveraged toward the management goals of reducing human wildlife conflict and promoting biodiversity.

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