1
|
Luna Á, Moreno E, Pinzolas JA, Oliver S, Meyer S, Brodermann O, Merino C, Karaardıç H, da Silva LP, Chatton C, Laesser J, Meier CM, Gutiérrez JS, Masero JA, Pérez J, Kullberg C, Pérez-Gómez Á, Mateos-González F, Tigges U, Toledo B, Rausell-Moreno A. Anthropogenic debris as nest material in three swift species: New insights into the interactions of atmospheric pollution with wildlife. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 949:175171. [PMID: 39094648 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.175171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2024] [Revised: 07/25/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024]
Abstract
Plastic pollution has become a global concern, affecting many species around the world. While well-documented for marine ecosystems, the impact of plastic pollution on terrestrial ecosystems is comparatively limited. In fact, only recently have some studies begun to explore the occurrence, pathways, and impacts of plastic in the atmosphere and on terrestrial species. Here, we assess the presence of synthetic material in nests of three swift species breeding in the Western Palearctic: the common swift (Apus apus), the pallid swift (Apus pallidus), and the alpine swift (Tachymarptis melba). Using data from 487 nests spanning 25 colonies and seven European countries, we show that 36.5 % of the examined nests contained anthropogenic materials, mainly plastic debris. Notably, Pallid swifts' nests, with 85 % of the total nests examined with plastic, rank among birds with the highest plastic content in nests. We also demonstrate that the probability of finding plastic in the nest increased substantially with the human footprint of the landscape. Last, we recorded four cases of swifts entangled in their own nest, a low proportion compared to other species studied previously. Our study provides compelling evidence that plastic pollution may also be considered a concern for other terrestrial species, particularly for birds with highly aerial lifestyles, such as other swifts. The correlation with the human footprint suggests that areas with higher human activity contribute more significantly. Moreover, the entanglement cases, although low, indicate a threat to bird health and welfare. To our knowledge, our study is the first to report a direct interaction between floating plastic debris in the atmosphere and any species. Understanding this interaction is key, not only due to the lack of research on the topic, but also because it highlights that plastic pollution is a multifaceted environmental issue affecting various ecosystem categories, and the broader implications of atmospheric plastic circulation on wildlife and ecosystems health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Álvaro Luna
- Department of Biosciences, Faculty of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, 28670 Madrid, Spain.
| | - Elena Moreno
- Ecourbe, Association for the Protection of Urban Environment, Seville, Spain
| | | | | | | | | | - Carlos Merino
- Departamento de Zoología, Universidad de Sevilla, Spain
| | - Hakan Karaardıç
- Alanya Alaaddin Keykubat University, Education Faculty, Department of Math and Science Education, Alanya, Antalya, Türkiye
| | - Luis P da Silva
- CIBIO, Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos, InBIO Laboratório Associado, Campus de Vairão, Universidade do Porto, 4485-661 Vairão, Portugal; BIOPOLIS Program in Genomics, Biodiversity and Land Planning, CIBIO, Campus de Vairão, 4485-661 Vairão, Portugal
| | - Caroline Chatton
- Musée d'histoire naturelle Fribourg MHNF, Chemin du Musée 6, CH-1700 Fribourg, Switzerland.
| | - Jacques Laesser
- Swiss Ornithological Institute, Seerose 1, CH-6204 Sempach, Switzerland.
| | - Christoph M Meier
- Swiss Ornithological Institute, Seerose 1, CH-6204 Sempach, Switzerland.
| | - Jorge S Gutiérrez
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Zoology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Extremadura, 06006 Badajoz, Spain; Ecology in the Anthropocene, Associated Unit CSIC-UEX, Faculty of Sciences, University of Extremadura, 06006 Badajoz, Spain.
| | - José A Masero
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Zoology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Extremadura, 06006 Badajoz, Spain; Ecology in the Anthropocene, Associated Unit CSIC-UEX, Faculty of Sciences, University of Extremadura, 06006 Badajoz, Spain
| | | | - Cecilia Kullberg
- Department of Zoology, Stockholm University, 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Álvaro Pérez-Gómez
- Universidad de Cádiz, Departamento de Biología (Área de Botánica), Campus Río San Pedro, 11510 Puerto Real, Spain.
| | | | | | - Bernardo Toledo
- Departamento de Ecología Integrativa, Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), 41092 Sevilla, Spain
| | - Armand Rausell-Moreno
- Department of Biogeography and Global Change, National Museum of Natural Sciences (MNCN-CSIC), Madrid, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Lopes AC, Kuznetsova M, Ferreira ATS, Wetter NU, Giarrizzo T, Martinelli Filho JE. Blue nests: The use of plastics in the nests of the crested oropendola (Psarocolius decumanus) on the Brazilian Amazon coast. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 205:116695. [PMID: 38996758 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2024] [Revised: 07/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024]
Abstract
Birds have been impacted by plastic pollution via entanglement, accidental ingestion, and exposure to chemical contaminants. However, plastics were also observed as a nesting material for several species. For the first time, we describe the occurrence and composition of plastics in 36 nests of the crested oropendola (Psarocolius decumanus) in three different sites on the Amazon coast. Plastics were present in 67 % of abandoned, fallen nests. At the mangrove site, all nests contained plastics, while at the grassy clearing and the fishermen's village, plastics were present at 35.3 and 90 % of the nests, respectively. Blue fibers and ropes were the main plastics observed, probably derived from discarded fishing gear. Of 79 analyzed fibers, 97.5 % were composed of Polyethylene, and 83.5 % contained Cobalt Phthalocyanine as an additive. Our results showed a widespread use of plastics by P. decumanus, which may increase the exposure of both juveniles and adults to potential contaminants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adrielle Caroline Lopes
- Laboratório de Oceanografia Biológica and Centro de Estudos Avançados da Biodiversidade, Universidade Federal do Pará, Av. Augusto Corrêa s/n, Guamá, Belém, PA 66075-110, Brazil; Programa de pós-graduação em Oceanografia, Universidade Federal do Pará, Av. Augusto Corrêa s/n, Guamá, Belém, PA 66075-110, Brazil
| | - Maria Kuznetsova
- Instituto de Pesquisas Energéticas e Nucleares, CNEN - IPEN, São Paulo, SP 05508-000, Brazil
| | | | - Niklaus Ursus Wetter
- Instituto de Pesquisas Energéticas e Nucleares, CNEN - IPEN, São Paulo, SP 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Tommaso Giarrizzo
- Instituto de Ciências do Mar (LABOMAR), Universidade Federal do Ceará (UFC), Av. da Abolição, 3207, Meireles, Fortaleza, CE 60165-081, Brazil
| | - José Eduardo Martinelli Filho
- Laboratório de Oceanografia Biológica and Centro de Estudos Avançados da Biodiversidade, Universidade Federal do Pará, Av. Augusto Corrêa s/n, Guamá, Belém, PA 66075-110, Brazil; Programa de pós-graduação em Oceanografia, Universidade Federal do Pará, Av. Augusto Corrêa s/n, Guamá, Belém, PA 66075-110, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Tariq A, Ahmad SR, Qadir A. Nesting material adaptation of native bird species with anthropogenic litter along an urbanization gradient in Pakistan. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 249:118435. [PMID: 38350545 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.118435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 02/03/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
Rapid urbanization and associated waste generation have become a mounting ecological concern for wildlife, especially avian communities. Research has primarily focused on investigating the impacts of human activities on marine birds with comparatively less focus on terrestrial species that live in far more anthropized environments and are at significant risk. Our study has explored the abundance and characteristics of anthropogenic litter in 70 nests of four generalist bird species: Bank Myna (Acridotheres ginginianus), Common Myna (Acridotheres tristis), Black Kite (Milvus migrans) and House Crow (Corvus splendens), within the city of Lahore (Pakistan) and its surroundings, by determining and following an urbanization gradient. The overall frequency of litter occurrence (FLO%) for all the sampled nests was 89%. Over 80% of the recorded litter items consisted of plastic materials, primarily dominated by sheet-like plastics. There was a strong association between fabric and Black Kite nests, and metal and House Crow nests. Litter incorporation increased across the gradient from rural to urban habitats. The highest FLO% was found in nests sampled from waste dumping sites and urban sites (95%-100%), where anthropogenic influence was more intense. The high level of litter incorporation is potentially indicative of a species' adaptive response to urbanization, associated with the decline in natural nesting material and availability of anthropogenic litter. These findings highlight the need for strengthening the existing global database for terrestrial litter and its effect on wildlife and devising policy actions for better waste management and conservation of natural ecosystem balance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anum Tariq
- College of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan.
| | - Sajid Rashid Ahmad
- College of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Abdul Qadir
- College of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Bjedov D, Mikuška A, Gvozdić V, Glavaš P, Gradečak D, Sudarić Bogojević M. White Stork Pellets: Non-Invasive Solution to Monitor Anthropogenic Particle Pollution. TOXICS 2024; 12:236. [PMID: 38668458 PMCID: PMC11054396 DOI: 10.3390/toxics12040236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2024] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Abstract
The present study applied a non-invasive method to analyse anthropogenic particles and prey items in white stork (Ciconia ciconia) pellets. Pellets (n = 20) were obtained from white stork nests during the 2020 breeding season from two sites in Croatia. In total, 7869 anthropogenic particles were isolated. The majority of particles were fragments, while previous studies on other birds often reported fibres. An ATR-FTIR polymer analysis detected glass and construction and building materials, as well as several compounds associated with plastic masses. Polymer investigation revealed the presence of dotriacontane and octacosane, which are by-products of polyethylene (PE) degradation and transformation. Additionally, the detection of vinylidene chloride (VDC) highlights the historical contribution of polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC) to plastic pollution. Significant variation in particle quantity and size between the sampling sites was detected, with larger particles found at sites associated with the metal mechanical engineering industry and agriculture. Prey assessment revealed chitin remains of large insects such as Orthoptera and Coleoptera. This research confirms the potential of pellet analysis as a valuable tool for assessing the presence of anthropogenic particles in the environment. However, further research is needed to fully understand the extent of particle ingestion, particle sources and potential impact.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dora Bjedov
- Croatian Institute for Biodiversity, BIOTA Ltd., 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
- Department of Biology, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia (M.S.B.)
| | - Alma Mikuška
- Department of Biology, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia (M.S.B.)
| | - Vlatka Gvozdić
- Department of Chemistry, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
| | - Petar Glavaš
- Department of Biology, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia (M.S.B.)
| | - Dora Gradečak
- Department of Biology, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia (M.S.B.)
| | - Mirta Sudarić Bogojević
- Department of Biology, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia (M.S.B.)
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Santana JKS, Carneiro FR, Alevi KCC, Galvão C, da Rosa JA, de Oliveira J. Triatominae (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) fauna in bird nests: the case of Morrinhos, Ceará, Brazil. JOURNAL OF VECTOR ECOLOGY : JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR VECTOR ECOLOGY 2023; 48:124-130. [PMID: 37843454 DOI: 10.52707/1081-1710-48.2.124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
Triatominae are associated with various Brazilian habitats, including bird nests, animal burrows, and peridomestic structures. Despite extensive studies on triatomines in domiciliary environments in Ceará, Brazil, there has been limited research on their presence in the wild. This study focuses on the municipality of Morrinhos in Ceará, which is characterized by a Caatinga biome and riparian forests along the Acaraú River. During the study, a total of 185 nests of Pseudoseisura cristata were analyzed in rural locations and triatomines were collected in 26 nests from 12 different locations. A total of 117 triatomines was collected, belonging to three species: Psammolestes tertius, Rhodnius nasutus, and Triatoma pseudomaculata. Rhodnius nasutus was the only species found in a nest inhabited by Didelphis albiventris. Nests of P. cristata serve as shelters for various animals, providing an ideal environment for triatomines to establish colonies due to their proximity to food sources and their generalist feeding habits. The incorporation of anthropogenic materials by birds in nest construction can indirectly affect the presence of other animals that may serve as food sources for triatomines. Understanding the interactions between triatomines, birds, and their habitats is essential for assessing the risks associated with triatomine infestation in wild ecosystems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Kaio Cesar Chaboli Alevi
- Laboratório Nacional e Internacional de Referência em Taxonomia de Triatomíneos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ,
| | - Cleber Galvão
- Laboratório Nacional e Internacional de Referência em Taxonomia de Triatomíneos, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ,
| | - João Aristeu da Rosa
- Universidade Estadual Paulista (Unesp), Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, SP, Brasil
| | - Jader de Oliveira
- Universidade Estadual Paulista (Unesp), Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, SP, Brasil
- Laboratório de Entomologia em Saúde Pública, Departamento de Epidemiologia, Faculdade de Saúde Pública, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Jagiello Z, Reynolds SJ, Nagy J, Mainwaring MC, Ibáñez-Álamo JD. Why do some bird species incorporate more anthropogenic materials into their nests than others? Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2023; 378:20220156. [PMID: 37427475 PMCID: PMC10331902 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2022.0156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Many bird species incorporate anthropogenic materials (e.g. sweet wrappers, cigarette butts and plastic strings) into their nests. Anthropogenic materials have become widely available as nesting materials in marine and terrestrial environments globally. These human-made objects can provide important benefits to birds such as serving as reliable signals to conspecifics or protecting against ectoparasites, but they can also incur fundamental survival and energetic costs via offspring entanglement and reduced insulative properties, respectively. From an ecological perspective, several hypotheses have been proposed to explain the use of anthropogenic nest materials (ANMs) by birds but no previous interspecific study has tried to identify the underlying mechanisms of this behaviour. In this study, we performed a systematic literature search and ran phylogenetically controlled comparative analyses to examine interspecific variation in the use of ANM and to examine the influence of several ecological and life-history traits. We found that sexual dimorphism and nest type significantly influenced the use of ANMs by birds providing support for the 'signalling hypothesis' that implies that ANMs reflect the quality of the nest builder. However, we found no support for the 'age' and 'new location' hypotheses, nor for a phylogenetic pattern in this behaviour, suggesting that it is widespread throughout birds. This article is part of the theme issue 'The evolutionary ecology of nests: a cross-taxon approach'.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zuzanna Jagiello
- Department of Zoology, Poznań University of Life Sciences, Wojska Polskiego 71C, 60-625 Poznań, Poland
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Granada, E-18071 Granada, Spain
| | - S. James Reynolds
- Centre for Ornithology, School of Biosciences, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
- The Army Ornithological Society (AOS), c/o Prince Consort Library, Knollys Road, Aldershot, Hampshire GU11 1PS, UK
| | - Jenő Nagy
- ELKH-DE Conservation Biology Research Group, Egyetem tér 1, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary
- Department of Evolutionary Zoology and Human Biology, University of Debrecen, Egyetem tér 1, H-4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Mark C. Mainwaring
- Field Research Station at Fort Missoula, Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, MT 59812, USA
- School of Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor LL57 2DG, UK
| | - Juan D. Ibáñez-Álamo
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Granada, E-18071 Granada, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Jagiello Z, Dylewski Ł, Aguirre JI, Białas JT, Dylik A, López-García A, Kaługa I, Olszewski A, Siekiera J, Tobółka M. The prevalence of anthropogenic nest materials differs between two distinct populations of migratory birds in Europe. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:69703-69710. [PMID: 37129807 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-27156-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
A major impact of human development is the transformation of natural habitats into farming lands and the expansion of built-up areas. Also, plastic pollution is affecting wildlife on a global scale. Discarded plastic is ubiquitous and accessible for birds, which can incorporate them into the nest structure. Here, we describe the differences in type, prevalence, and the amount of anthropogenic nest materials between two populations of terrestrial, mainly farmland bird, the white stork Ciconia ciconia, on a broad geographical scale, from two migratory divides-eastern in Poland and western in Spain (in total 303 nests). In the two populations, we detected significant differences in the incorporation of anthropogenic nest material, as measured by the Human Footprint Index (HFI) and the Impervious Surface Areas (ISA). We found that ISA was positively related to anthropogenic nest material incorporation in the Spanish population, and HFI was positively related to anthropogenic nest material, in contrast to the Polish population, in which the relationships were not significant. Moreover, we showed that the prevalence of nests with anthropogenic nest material was two times higher in Spanish than in the Polish white stork population. This study demonstrates that the behavior of incorporation of the anthropogenic nest material differs between two distinct populations of a single bird species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zuzanna Jagiello
- Department of Zoology, Poznań University of Life Sciences, Wojska Polskiego 71C, 60-625, Poznań, Poland.
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Granada, 18071, Granada, Spain.
| | - Łukasz Dylewski
- Department of Zoology, Poznań University of Life Sciences, Wojska Polskiego 71C, 60-625, Poznań, Poland
| | - José I Aguirre
- Department of Biodiversity, Ecology and Evolution, Complutense University of Madrid, José Antonio Novais, 12, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Joanna T Białas
- Department of Zoology, Poznań University of Life Sciences, Wojska Polskiego 71C, 60-625, Poznań, Poland
| | - Andrzej Dylik
- Kuyavian Ornithological Region, Kotwicowa 15, 85-435, Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Alejandro López-García
- Department of Biodiversity, Ecology and Evolution, Complutense University of Madrid, José Antonio Novais, 12, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Adam Olszewski
- Kampinos National Park, Tetmajera 38, 05-080, Izabelin, Poland
| | | | - Marcin Tobółka
- Department of Zoology, Poznań University of Life Sciences, Wojska Polskiego 71C, 60-625, Poznań, Poland
- Konrad Lorenz Institute of Ethology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Savoyenstraβe 1a, 1160, Vienna, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Briggs KB, Deeming DC, Mainwaring MC. Plastic is a widely used and selectively chosen nesting material for pied flycatchers (Ficedula hypoleuca) in rural woodland habitats. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 854:158660. [PMID: 36089011 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.158660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
There is increasing concern about the burgeoning effects of discarded plastic on the earth's biodiversity. Quantifying the presence of plastic and other anthropogenic waste in the environment can be logistically and financially challenging, although it is possible that bird' nests can be used as bioindicators. Many birds in heavily modified terrestrial ecoystems, such as urban environments, incorporate plastic and other anthropogenic materials into their nests but our understanding of the presence of discarded plastic in nests in rural woodlands remains poor. Here, we show that plastic and other anthropogenic materials were present in 35 % of 325 pied flycatcher (Ficedula hypoleuca) nests from 17 rural woodlands throughout Great Britain, although the woodlands did vary in the amount of material incorporated into nests. Then, in an experimental test at one study site, where flycatchers were provided with a choice of two types of natural and two types of anthropogenic nest materials, they preferentially selected one natural and one anthropogenic material. In another test, the flycatchers were provided with plastic of four colours and overwhelmingly selected white and avoided orange, blue and yellow plastic. Although the flycatcher's selectivity for certain material types and colours preclude their nests being a reliable indicator of plastic in the environment, our study nonetheless demonstrates that bird species incorporate anthropogenic materials, such as plastic, into their nests in rural woodlands.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - D Charles Deeming
- Joseph Banks Laboratories, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Lincoln, Lincoln LN6 7DL, UK
| | - Mark C Mainwaring
- Division of Biological Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, MT 59812, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
ÖZKOÇ ÖÜ. Breeding and Migratory Bird Diversity in Iğdır Province (Eastern Anatolia). COMMAGENE JOURNAL OF BIOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.31594/commagene.1190796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to contribute to the knowledge of avian diversity and breeding species in Türkiye. Observations were carried out in Iğdır Province within a total of 40 days spread throughout the migration and breeding periods of 2017-2018. Regional status and breeding codes were determined for each species. Some winter visitors have also been observed during the early stages of the spring migration. In the study, 192 species were identified belonging to 50 families from 20 orders and 58 residents, 83 summer visitors, 11 winter visitors, and 40 transit migratory birds. According to the result of the recording breeding behavior, 52 bird species were classified as confirmed breeders, 36 as probable breeders, and 70 as possible breeders. According to IUCN Red List, 10 globally threatened species (Haematopus ostralegus, Vanellus vanellus, Numenius arquata, Gallinago media, Gypaetus barbatus, Aegypius monachus, Circus macrourus, Aythya ferina, Streptopelia turtur, Neophron percnopterus) were observed. Aras Valley and Aralık-Karasu Wetlands are the most important areas for birds. The conservation of these areas is of high importance in the region for migratory birds.
Collapse
|
10
|
Jagiello Z, Corsini M, Dylewski Ł, Ibáñez-Álamo JD, Szulkin M. The extended avian urban phenotype: anthropogenic solid waste pollution, nest design, and fitness. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 838:156034. [PMID: 35595141 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.156034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Solid waste pollution (garbage discarded by humans, such as plastic, metal, paper) has received increased attention given its importance as a global threat to biodiversity. Recent studies highlight how animals incorporate anthropogenic materials into their life-cycle, for example in avian nest construction. While increasingly monitored in natural areas, the influence of solid waste pollution on wildlife has been seldom explored in the urban habitat. There is limited data on the relationship between anthropogenic solid waste pollution, nest design, and reproductive success in an urban context. We address this knowledge gap (i) by investigating the presence of environmental solid waste pollution in the breeding habitats of great tits Parus major and blue tits Cyanistes caeruleus reproducing in a gradient of urbanisation, and (ii) by quantifying (ii) the contribution of different anthropogenic materials in their nests. We further examine potential drivers of solid waste pollution by inferring three distinct properties of the urban space: environmental solid waste pollution on the ground, human presence, and the intensity of urbanisation (e.g impervious surfaces) in nestbox vicinity. Finally, (iii) we explore the relationship between anthropogenic nest materials and reproductive success. We found that environmental solid waste pollution was positively associated with human presence and urbanisation intensity. There was also a positive relationship between increased human presence and the amount of anthropogenic materials in great tit nests. Interestingly, in both species, anthropogenic nest materials covaried negatively with nest materials of animal origin (fur and feathers). We suggest that fur and feathers - key insulating materials in nest design - may be scarcer in areas with high levels of human presence, and are consequently replaced with anthropogenic nest materials. Finally, we report a negative relationship between anthropogenic nest materials and blue tit reproductive success, suggesting species-specific vulnerability of urban birds to solid waste pollution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zuzanna Jagiello
- Department of Zoology, Poznań University of Life Sciences, ul. Wojska Polskiego 71C, 60-625 Poznań, Poland; Department of Zoology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain.
| | - Michela Corsini
- Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, ul. Banacha 2c, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland; Cornell Lab of Ornithology, 159 Sapsucker Woods Road, Ithaca, 14850, NY, USA
| | - Łukasz Dylewski
- Department of Zoology, Poznań University of Life Sciences, ul. Wojska Polskiego 71C, 60-625 Poznań, Poland
| | | | - Marta Szulkin
- Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, ul. Banacha 2c, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Martínez JE, Zuberogoitia Í, Calvo JF, Álvarez M, Margalida A. Effect of nest composition, experience and nest quality on nest-building behaviour in the Bonelli's Eagle. Sci Rep 2022; 12:4146. [PMID: 35264681 PMCID: PMC8907159 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-08028-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In bi-parentally built nests, there is evidence to suggest that nests are extended phenotypic signals that accurately indicate the quality of the building parent/s. Raptors often use a variety of materials to build their nests (natural, such as branches, but also non-natural objects), presumably due to their insulating properties, their suitability to advertise occupancy of the nest, and to decrease pathogen and parasite loads. However, in raptors where both sexes collaborate in nest construction, it is unclear whether nest building (taking the amount of material carried to the nest as the potential predictor) is an indicator of parental quality, and whether the effort expended by both sexes could constitute an honest signal of parental quality to their partners. Between 2011 and 2016, we monitored 16 nests of Bonelli's Eagles (Aquila fasciata), and we examined data on sex, type of material brought to the nest, breeding experience, nest quality, timing, and nest-building investment prior to egg-laying from 32 identifiable Bonelli's Eagles during the pre-laying period to investigate the relative contribution of the sexes to the amount of nest material gathered. Our results indicate that sex is not a determining factor in nest-building effort, and that females did not increase their parental effort in response to the male's contribution, and supply of materials did not increase during the pre-laying period. In contrast, our models showed that: (1) the type of material supplied to the nest by both sexes varied significantly throughout the pre-laying period and (2) nest-building effort was determined by individual experience and nest quality. Therefore, our study suggests that male nest-building behaviour and investment by Bonelli's Eagles cannot be considered as an extended phenotypic signal. The differential use of hard and green material by both sexes in the early and late stages of nest-building period, and the fact that the more experienced individuals contributed a larger amount of material on low quality nests, are discussed in the contexts of signaling nest occupancy to conspecifics and competitors and the decrease of ectoparasite loads during the pre-laying period.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- José E Martínez
- Departamento de Ecología E Hidrología, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain.
- Bonelli's Eagle Study and Conservation Group, Murcia, Spain.
| | - Íñigo Zuberogoitia
- Estudios Medioambientales Icarus, S.L. C/ San Vicente, 8. 6ª Planta. Dpto 8. Edificio Albia I, 48001, Bilbao, Spain
| | - José F Calvo
- Departamento de Ecología E Hidrología, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Mario Álvarez
- Departamento de Ecología E Hidrología, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Antoni Margalida
- Institute for Game and Wildlife Research, IREC (CSIC-UCLM-JCCM), Ciudad Real, Spain
- Division of Conservation Biology, Institute of Ecology and Evolution, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Use of Anthropogenic Nest Materials by Black-crested Titmice Along an Urban Gradient. JOURNAL OF FISH AND WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT 2022. [DOI: 10.3996/jfwm-21-058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Numerous avian species use anthropogenic materials in constructing nests, particularly in urbanized environments. Anthropogenic materials, including plastics, have been demonstrated to have both beneficial and harmful effects on survival and reproduction. During the spring of 2018, we collected 45 Black-crested Titmouse Baeolophus atricristatus nests in San Marcos, TX, U.S. with two objectives: 1) assess and compare the mass and proportion of nest materials along an urban gradient, and 2) examine the relationship between nest materials, clutch size, and hatching success. We categorized each nest based on collection location as either urban, residential, park or rural and separated nest materials into six categories: leaves, snakeskin, twigs, moss, plastic, and non-plastic artificial materials. We then compared raw mass and proportion of mass of each nest material among urbanization categories. Nests in the urban category were 1.6-1.9 times lighter in mass than nests in other locations along the urban gradient (p = 0.01) and contained 4-5 times greater proportion, but not mass, of plastic compared to nests in all other locations. Nests in residential areas contained the greatest mass of combined anthropogenic materials. Neither clutch size nor hatching success differed based on urbanization category, nest mass, or proportions of anthropogenic or natural nest materials. The differences in mass of nests and increased proportion of plastics could have been due to a lack of natural nesting materials however, we did not estimate availability of nesting materials at any location. Results add to the growing literature that the use of anthropogenic materials in nests varies across an urban gradient, and the effect of anthropogenic materials on nesting parameters varies among species.
Collapse
|
13
|
Blettler MCM, Mitchell C. Dangerous traps: Macroplastic encounters affecting freshwater and terrestrial wildlife. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 798:149317. [PMID: 34340071 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.149317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Revised: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/24/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Encounters (or interactions) between plastic debris and wildlife can cause great harm to individuals and populations. The most common encounters are ingestion, entanglement and plastic usage (plastic as nesting material, vector for biota transport and refuge/shelter). Hundreds of plastic-encounters have been reported for marine species. However, there is a lack of studies reporting encounters in other ecosystems, such as freshwater and terrestrial ones. Based on a citizen science approach, we documented and analyzed 90 different cases of macroplastic-fauna encounters for 44 freshwater and terrestrial species. Herein, we provided evidence (photographically documented) of the negative consequences of macroplastic debris discarded in freshwater and terrestrial environments. Birds were by far the taxon most frequently reported in encounters (72.2% of the encounters, 30 different species). The dominant type of plastic-fauna encounter was the use of plastic as nesting material (42% of the total cases) and the second one was entanglement (33%). Most of the entanglements had lethal consequences for the organisms involved (almost 60%). Entanglement in ghost fishing gear and bottle (security) rings were particularly dangerous and comparatively frequent in this study. Some invasive species could benefit from the encounters to the detriment of the environment's health, using plastics as settlement substrata. Finally, we lay the foundation for creating worldwide lists of non-marine species impacted by encounters with plastic debris.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martín C M Blettler
- The National Institute of Limnology (INALI; CONICET-UNL), Ciudad Universitaria, 3000 Santa Fe, Argentina.
| | - Clara Mitchell
- Faculty of Exact Sciences, Engineering and Surveying National University of Rosario (FCEIA, UNR), Rosario, Argentina
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Zduniak P, Bocheński M, Maciorowski G. How littered are birds' of prey nests? Study of two sympatric species. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 790:148079. [PMID: 34090160 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.148079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2021] [Revised: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/22/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Anthropogenic activity results in production of wastes, including litter in the environment. The problem of waste pollution is especially noticeable and usually discussed from the perspective of marine environments. It is significantly less addressed in terrestrial habitats, where the spatial dispersion of litter makes it difficult to assess the degree of pollution and its impact on the ecosystems. In this study, we present the problem of littering the terrestrial environments in the context of their inclusion in raptor nests, which are relatively rare elements of these ecosystems and because they comprise the top positions in their trophic chains, are exemplary bioindicators. During the breeding season we quantitatively and qualitatively assessed the anthropogenic debris present in the nests of 48 Back Kites (Milvus migrans) and Red kites (Milvus milvus). We found that the prevalence of litter in the nests was 100% for both species. The average number of litter items and average total area of litter recorded per nest was 31.3 and 0.44 m2, respectively and differed between species, where higher values were recorded for the Black Kite than for the Red Kite (53.1 vs. 23.8 and 0.54 m2 vs. 0.34 m2, respectively). Taking into account the average nest surface area of both studied species (0.33 m2 and 0.57 m2, respectively), obtained values indicate large littering of the studied nests. Furthermore, 71% of identified debris items were plastics which constituted 65% of the total surface of all recorded debris. Our study suggests a high availability of litter in the terrestrial habitats that constitute the breeding territories of the two sympatric study species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Piotr Zduniak
- Department of Avian Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań, Poland.
| | - Marcin Bocheński
- Department of Nature Conservation, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Zielona Góra, Zielona Góra, Poland
| | - Grzegorz Maciorowski
- Department of Game Management and Forest Protection, Poznań University of Life Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Kiessling T, Knickmeier K, Kruse K, Gatta-Rosemary M, Nauendorf A, Brennecke D, Thiel L, Wichels A, Parchmann I, Körtzinger A, Thiel M. Schoolchildren discover hotspots of floating plastic litter in rivers using a large-scale collaborative approach. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 789:147849. [PMID: 34082209 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.147849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Revised: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/15/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Rivers are an important transport route of anthropogenic litter from inland sources toward the sea. A collaborative (i.e. citizen science) approach was used to evaluate the litter pollution of rivers in Germany: schoolchildren within the project "Plastic Pirates" investigated rivers across the entire country during the years 2016 and 2017 by surveying floating macrolitter at 282 sites and taking 164 meso-/microplastic samples (i.e. particles 24.99-5 mm, and 4.99-1 mm, respectively). Floating macrolitter was sighted at 54% of sampling sites and floating macrolitter quantities ranged from 0 to 8.25 items m-1 h-1 (average of 0.34 ± 0.89 litter items m-1 h-1). Floating meso-/microplastics were present at 57% of the sampling sites, and floating meso-/microplastic quantities ranged from 0 to 220 particles h-1 (average of 6.86 ± 24.11 items h-1). As only particles >1 mm were sampled and analyzed, the pollution of rivers in Germany by microplastics could be a much more prevalent problem, regardless of the size of the river. We identified six plastic pollution hotspots where 60% of all meso-/microplastics collected in the present study were found. These hotspots were located close to a plastic-producing industry site, a wastewater treatment plant, at and below weirs, or in residential areas. The composition of the particles at these hotspots indicates plastic producers and possibly the construction industry and wastewater treatment plants as point sources. An identification of litter hotspots would enable specific mitigation measures, adjusted to the respective source, and thereby could prevent the release of large quantities of small plastic particles in rivers. The adopted large-scale citizen science approach was especially suitable to detect pollution hotspots by sampling a variety of rivers, large and small, and enabled a national overview of litter pollution in German rivers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tim Kiessling
- Kiel Science Factory, Leibniz Institute for Science and Mathematics Education (IPN), Christian Albrecht University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany; Facultad de Ciencias del Mar, Universidad Católica del Norte, Coquimbo, Chile.
| | - Katrin Knickmeier
- Kiel Science Factory, Leibniz Institute for Science and Mathematics Education (IPN), Christian Albrecht University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Katrin Kruse
- Kiel Science Factory, Leibniz Institute for Science and Mathematics Education (IPN), Christian Albrecht University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Magdalena Gatta-Rosemary
- Kiel Science Factory, Leibniz Institute for Science and Mathematics Education (IPN), Christian Albrecht University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Alice Nauendorf
- Kiel Science Factory, Leibniz Institute for Science and Mathematics Education (IPN), Christian Albrecht University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Dennis Brennecke
- Kiel Science Factory, Leibniz Institute for Science and Mathematics Education (IPN), Christian Albrecht University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Laura Thiel
- OPENSEA, Alfred-Wegener-Institute Helmholtz-Centre for Polar and Marine Research, Biologische Anstalt Helgoland, Germany
| | - Antje Wichels
- OPENSEA, Alfred-Wegener-Institute Helmholtz-Centre for Polar and Marine Research, Biologische Anstalt Helgoland, Germany
| | - Ilka Parchmann
- Kiel Science Factory, Leibniz Institute for Science and Mathematics Education (IPN), Christian Albrecht University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Arne Körtzinger
- GEOMAR Helmholtz-Zentrum für Ozeanforschung, Kiel, Germany; Christian Albrecht University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Martin Thiel
- Facultad de Ciencias del Mar, Universidad Católica del Norte, Coquimbo, Chile; Millennium Nucleus Ecology and Sustainable Management of Oceanic Islands (ESMOI), Coquimbo, Chile; Centro de Estudios Avanzados en Zonas Áridas (CEAZA), Coquimbo, Chile
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Potvin DA, Opitz F, Townsend KA, Knutie SA. Use of anthropogenic-related nest material and nest parasite prevalence have increased over the past two centuries in Australian birds. Oecologia 2021; 196:1207-1217. [PMID: 34236465 DOI: 10.1007/s00442-021-04982-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Global plastic production has increased exponentially since the 1940s, resulting in the increased presence of anthropogenic debris in the environment. Recent studies have shown that birds incorporate anthropogenic debris into their nests, which can reduce nest ectoparasite loads. However, we know little about the long-term history of interactions among birds, anthropogenic debris, and ectoparasites. Our study took a unique approach to address this issue by determining the prevalence of anthropogenic debris and ectoparasitic nest flies (Protocalliphora and Passeromyia spp.) in 893 bird nests from 224 species between 1832 and 2018, which were sourced from Australian museum collections. The prevalence of anthropogenic material increased from approximately 4% in 1832 to almost 30% in 2018. This change was driven by an increase in the incorporation of synthetic rather than biodegradable anthropogenic debris (by 2018 ~ 25% of all nests contained synthetics), with the first synthetic item being found in a nest from 1956 in the city of Melbourne. Nest parasite prevalence increased over time but contrary to other studies, there was no relationship between habitat type or anthropogenic material and parasite presence. Our study is the first to use museum specimens to quantify temporal and spatial impacts of anthropogenic material on birds, the results of which justifies contemporary concerns regarding the ubiquitous nature of human impacts on terrestrial wildlife.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dominique A Potvin
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Moreton Bay Campus, Petrie, Australia.
| | | | - Kathy A Townsend
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Fraser Coast Campus, Hervey Bay, Australia
| | - Sarah A Knutie
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, 06269, USA.,Institute for Systems Genomics, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, 06269, USA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Al Rubaiee Z, Al Murayati H, Tobolka M, Tryjanowski P, Møller AP. Not so black, not so white: differences in microorganism load of contiguous feathers from white stork chicks. Curr Zool 2021; 67:263-270. [PMID: 34616918 PMCID: PMC8489003 DOI: 10.1093/cz/zoaa062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Accepted: 10/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Many organisms are characterized by strikingly contrasting black and white coloration, but the function of such contrasts has been inadequately studied. In this article, we tested the function of black and white contrasting plumage in white stork Ciconia ciconia chicks. We found greater abundance and diversity of microorganisms on black compared with adjacent white feathers. In addition, nest size was positively correlated with the abundance and diversity of microorganisms on white feathers. Flight initiation distance (FID), defined as the distance at which adult white storks took flight when approached by a human, was negatively correlated with most measurements of microorganism abundance. Breeding success was generally positively correlated with the abundance and diversity of microorganisms on black feathers. The feather growth rate was positively correlated with some and negatively correlated with other measurements of microbial abundance and diversity. Finally, chick growth was negatively correlated with the number of microbial species on black feathers and positively with the abundance and diversity of microorganisms on white feathers. These findings are consistent not only with the role of microorganisms in the maintenance of a benign microbial environment which differs between black and white feathers, but also with the hypothesis that several taxa of microorganisms found in black and white plumage are virulent, with negative effects on the fitness of their hosts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zaid Al Rubaiee
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Mustansiriya University, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Haider Al Murayati
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Mustansiriya University, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Marcin Tobolka
- Institute of Zoology, Poznań University of Life Sciences, Poznań, PL-60-625, Poland
| | - Piotr Tryjanowski
- Institute of Zoology, Poznań University of Life Sciences, Poznań, PL-60-625, Poland
| | - Anders Pape Møller
- Ecologie Systématique Evolution, Université Paris-Sud, CNRS, AgroParisTech, Université Paris-Saclay, Orsay Cedex, F-91405, France
- College of Life Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Harvey JA, Chernicky K, Simons SR, Verrett TB, Chaves JA, Knutie SA. Urban living influences the nesting success of Darwin's finches in the Galápagos Islands. Ecol Evol 2021; 11:5038-5048. [PMID: 34025990 PMCID: PMC8131787 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.7360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Revised: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Urbanization is expanding worldwide with major consequences for organisms. Anthropogenic factors can reduce the fitness of animals but may have benefits, such as consistent human food availability. Understanding anthropogenic trade-offs is critical in environments with variable levels of natural food availability, such as the Galápagos Islands, an area of rapid urbanization. For example, during dry years, the reproductive success of bird species, such as Darwin's finches, is low because reduced precipitation impacts food availability. Urban areas provide supplemental human food to finches, which could improve their reproductive success during years with low natural food availability. However, urban finches might face trade-offs, such as the incorporation of anthropogenic debris (e.g., string, plastic) into their nests, which may increase mortality. In our study, we determined the effect of urbanization on the nesting success of small ground finches (Geospiza fuliginosa; a species of Darwin's finch) during a dry year on San Cristóbal Island. We quantified nest building, egg laying and hatching, and fledging in an urban and nonurban area and characterized the anthropogenic debris in nests. We also documented mortalities including nest trash-related deaths and whether anthropogenic materials directly led to entanglement- or ingestion-related nest mortalities. Overall, urban finches built more nests, laid more eggs, and produced more fledglings than nonurban finches. However, every nest in the urban area contained anthropogenic material, which resulted in 18% nestling mortality while nonurban nests had no anthropogenic debris. Our study showed that urban living has trade-offs: urban birds have overall higher nesting success during a dry year than nonurban birds, but urban birds can suffer mortality from anthropogenic-related nest-materials. These results suggest that despite potential costs, finches benefit overall from urban living and urbanization may buffer the effects of limited resource availability in the Galápagos Islands.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Johanna A. Harvey
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary BiologyUniversity of ConnecticutStorrsCTUSA
- Present address:
Division of Invertebrate ZoologyAmerican Museum of Natural HistoryNew YorkNYUSA
| | - Kiley Chernicky
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary BiologyUniversity of ConnecticutStorrsCTUSA
| | - Shelby R. Simons
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary BiologyUniversity of ConnecticutStorrsCTUSA
| | - Taylor B. Verrett
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary BiologyUniversity of ConnecticutStorrsCTUSA
| | - Jaime A. Chaves
- Department of BiologySan Francisco State UniversitySan FranciscoCAUSA
- Colegio de Ciencias Biológicas y AmbientalesUniversidad San Francisco de QuitoLaboratorio de Biología EvolutivaDiego de Robles y PampiteQuitoEcuador
| | - Sarah A. Knutie
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary BiologyUniversity of ConnecticutStorrsCTUSA
- Institute for Systems GenomicsUniversity of ConnecticutStorrsCTUSA
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Danel S, Zidat T, Lucas A, Biro D, Bonadonna F. First description of nest-decoration behaviour in a wild sub-Antarctic shorebird. Behav Processes 2021; 188:104408. [PMID: 33895252 DOI: 10.1016/j.beproc.2021.104408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Revised: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
A wide range of animal species accumulate objects in, on, and/or around structures they build. Sometimes, these accumulations serve specific functions (e.g. structural or isolating features) or are purely incidental, while in other cases the materials are deliberately displayed to serve signalling purposes (extended phenotype signals). In this pilot study, we employed systematic in situ observations and camera trapping to describe for the first time that both partners of a territorial shorebird, the black-faced sheathbill (Chionis minor ssp minor) collect, carry, and arrange colourful marine shells and dry twigs within and around their nest cavity. Our observations expand the taxonomic breadth of avian extended phenotype signals, by showing that at least one species within a largely understudied group i.e., Charadriiformes, exhibits nest-decoration behaviour. Multiple manipulative experiments are needed to explore further the signalling function of these decorations, which opens new exciting avenues for animal communication and cognition research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samara Danel
- Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3PS, UK.
| | - Timothée Zidat
- Cardiff University, School of Bioscience, Museum Avenue, Cardiff, Wales, CF10 3AX, UK.
| | - Annick Lucas
- CEFE, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, EPHE, IRD, Montpellier, France.
| | - Dora Biro
- Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3PS, UK; Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14627, USA.
| | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Mass of white stork nests predicted from their size: Online calculator and implications for conservation. J Nat Conserv 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jnc.2021.125967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
|
21
|
Thabethe V, McPherson S, Downs CT. Diet of nestling African woolly‐necked storks in suburban areas of KwaZulu‐Natal, South Africa. Afr J Ecol 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/aje.12859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Vuyisile Thabethe
- Centre for Functional Biodiversity School of Life Sciences University of KwaZulu‐Natal, Pietermaritzburg Pietermaritzburg South Africa
| | - Shane McPherson
- Centre for Functional Biodiversity School of Life Sciences University of KwaZulu‐Natal, Pietermaritzburg Pietermaritzburg South Africa
| | - Colleen T. Downs
- Centre for Functional Biodiversity School of Life Sciences University of KwaZulu‐Natal, Pietermaritzburg Pietermaritzburg South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Blettler MCM, Gauna L, Andréault A, Abrial E, Lorenzón RE, Espinola LA, Wantzen KM. The use of anthropogenic debris as nesting material by the greater thornbird, an inland-wetland-associated bird of South America. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 27:41647-41655. [PMID: 32696402 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-10124-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Plastic pollution has become a globally pressing environmental issue. In birds, plastic may cause harm by entangling or ingestion when used for nesting. The use of anthropogenic nesting material has so far been mostly studied in birds of terrestrial or marine habitats, but there are yet very few reports for inland water-associated birds. The aim of this study is to better understand the extension and magnitude of the use of anthropogenic debris as nesting material by the greater thornbird (Phacellodomus ruber), a bird species preferably nesting in river floodplain wetlands in South America. We found that P. ruber uses disproportionally large quantities of plastic debris as nesting material (more than 90% of some nest chambers is plastic). This occurred even if ample vegetation (commonly used as soft material) was available. Most of the artificial nesting material was derived from wrapping material released into the environment. We suggest that this species has the potential to indicate vulnerable areas to plastic pollution associated with urban waste mismanagement.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martín C M Blettler
- The National Institute of Limnology (INALI; CONICET-UNL), Ciudad Universitaria (3000), Santa Fe, Argentina.
| | - Lucía Gauna
- The National University of the Littoral (UNL), Faculty of Humanities and Sciences (FHUC), Ciudad Universitaria (3000), Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Alex Andréault
- University of Polytech Tours (IMA), 37200, Tours, France
| | - Elie Abrial
- The National Institute of Limnology (INALI; CONICET-UNL), Ciudad Universitaria (3000), Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Rodrigo E Lorenzón
- The National Institute of Limnology (INALI; CONICET-UNL), Ciudad Universitaria (3000), Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Luis A Espinola
- The National Institute of Limnology (INALI; CONICET-UNL), Ciudad Universitaria (3000), Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Karl M Wantzen
- UNESCO Chair "River Culture - Fleuves et Patrimoine", Interdisciplinary Research Center for Cities, Territories, Environment and Society (CNRS UMR CITERES), University of Tours, 37200, Tours, France
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Lopes CS, de Faria JP, Paiva VH, Ramos JA. Characterization of anthropogenic materials on yellow-legged gull (Larus michahellis) nests breeding in natural and urban sites along the coast of Portugal. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 27:36954-36969. [PMID: 32577968 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-09651-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Anthropogenic materials are a persistent pressure on ecosystems, affecting many species. Seabirds can collect these materials to construct their nests, which may modify nest characteristics and cause entanglement of chicks and adults, with possible consequences on breeding success. The incorporation of anthropogenic materials in nests of seabird species that breed in both natural and urban environments, such as gulls, is poorly known. Here, we characterize and compare anthropogenic materials incorporated in yellow-legged gull (Larus michahellis) nests from two natural and two urban breeding sites across their Portuguese breeding range and during 2 consecutive years. Anthropogenic materials were found in 2.6% and 15.4% of gull nests from natural locations and in 47.6% and 95.7% of nests from urban breeding sites. No differences were found on hatching success between urban and natural breeding colonies. A significantly higher number of anthropogenic materials were found in the largest and more populated urban breeding colony, which on average included items of a greater mass but smaller size than items from the other three colonies. The higher incorporation of anthropogenic materials in urban locations could be a consequence of a lower access to natural nest construction materials and higher availability of anthropogenic debris. The quantity and diversity of anthropogenic materials incorporated in gull nests from urban locations indicate a need for improved debris management in urban settlements.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Catarina S Lopes
- University of Coimbra, MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, Department of Life Sciences, Calçada Martim de Freitas, 3000-456, Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - Joana Pais de Faria
- University of Coimbra, MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, Department of Life Sciences, Calçada Martim de Freitas, 3000-456, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Vitor H Paiva
- University of Coimbra, MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, Department of Life Sciences, Calçada Martim de Freitas, 3000-456, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Jaime A Ramos
- University of Coimbra, MARE - Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, Department of Life Sciences, Calçada Martim de Freitas, 3000-456, Coimbra, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Seeking the least urbanized landscape: white stork nest abundance variation in a Mediterranean capital city. EUR J WILDLIFE RES 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s10344-020-01411-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
|
25
|
Jagiello Z, López-García A, Aguirre JI, Dylewski Ł. Distance to landfill and human activities affects the debris incorporation into the white stork nests in urbanized landscape in central Spain. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 27:30893-30898. [PMID: 32557058 PMCID: PMC7378044 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-09621-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2019] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Human's activities dominates many aspects of the Earth's environment; thus animals are forced to adapt and respond to the resulting changes in habitat structure and functioning due to anthropogenic pressure. Along with the growing human population and the associated amount of waste produced, the amount of different type of physical contamination component in environment is increasing. Incorporation of debris in nests may be a mounting avian response to anthropogenic pollution. In this research, we quantified the constituent pieces and total mass of human-derived materials incorporated in white stork nests. The study was conducted on four locations in central Spain where white storks nest along a urbanization gradient. In total, we examined 49 nests. This study demonstrates that the incorporation of debris by white storks into their nests is related to human activity, measured by the Human Footprint Index (HFI). Moreover, the distance between these nests and landfills predicts the occurrence of debris incorporated into nests. Our study shows that birds nest building behaviour is impacted by human activities and pollution in environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zuzanna Jagiello
- Institute of Zoology, Poznań University of Life Sciences, Wojska Polskiego 71C, 60-625, Poznań, Poland.
- Department of Biodiversity, Ecology and Evolution, Complutense University of Madrid, José Antonio Novais, 12, 28040, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Alejandro López-García
- Department of Biodiversity, Ecology and Evolution, Complutense University of Madrid, José Antonio Novais, 12, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - José I Aguirre
- Department of Biodiversity, Ecology and Evolution, Complutense University of Madrid, José Antonio Novais, 12, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Łukasz Dylewski
- Institute of Dendrology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Parkowa 5, 62-035, Kórnik, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Delgado S, Zorrozua N, Arizaga J. Marginal presence of plastic in nests of yellow–legged gulls (Larus michahellis) in the southeastern Bay of Biscay. ANIMAL BIODIVERSITY AND CONSERVATION 2020. [DOI: 10.32800/abc.2020.43.0191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Nest entanglement and consumption of plastics can be a cause of mortality in chicks of various seabird
species. As plastic debris may be chosen as a source of nesting material, evaluation of its presence and
contribution to nest building in seabird colonies is important. Here, we determined the contribution of anthropogenic debris to nest construction by a yellow–legged gull Larus michahellis population that largely depends on refuse tips to forage. Two colonies within the southeastern Bay of Biscay, Spain, were sampled in 2019. One of the colonies was in Getaria, where no debris was found in nests, and the second was in Ulia, where 40 % of the nests had some kind of artificial material. In all cases, however, this debris comprised less than 5 % of the nests’ area. Among the studied nests, we found one had a piece of fabric, five had pieces of rope, and 20 had pieces of flexible plastic packaging. These results contrast with other seabird species that face problems of conservation due to the increasing use of plastic for nesting. With the low prevalence of artificial debris (chiefly plastic) in nests found in this study, mortality due to debris entanglement or ingestion is unlikely.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S. Delgado
- Aranzadi Sciences Society, Donostia, Spain
| | | | - J. Arizaga
- Aranzadi Sciences Society, Donostia, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Brentano R, de Brum AC, Montone RC, Petry MV. Incidence of anthropogenic material in Sula leucogaster nests in a distant archipelago of Brazil. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2020; 151:110815. [PMID: 32056608 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2019.110815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2019] [Revised: 12/09/2019] [Accepted: 12/09/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Anthropogenic debris has been affecting fauna in different ways. We investigate the frequency of anthropogenic material in nests of a brown booby (Sula leucogaster) colony in the Saint Peter and Saint Paul Archipelago (SPSPA), Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil in February 2015 and November 2016. The items were classified according to type (threadlike plastic, sheet plastics, hard fragments, foamed synthetics and miscellaneous) and color. In 2015, a total of 30 anthropogenic items were found in 20.4% of the nests. In nests containing debris, miscellaneous items were found in 73.6% of nests. White/clear was the most common color, 52.6% of nests containing debris had items of this color. In 2016, 45 anthropogenic items were observed in 13.3% of the nests. Threadlike plastic was found in 59.2% of nests. Blue/purple was the most common color (55.5%). Even far from the Brazilian coast, the S. leucogaster colony has been affected by marine pollution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Renata Brentano
- Laboratório de Ornitologia e Animais Marinhos, Universidade do Vale do Rio dos Sinos - UNISINOS, Avenida Unisinos, 950, São Leopoldo 93.022-750, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Antônio Coimbra de Brum
- Laboratório de Ornitologia e Animais Marinhos, Universidade do Vale do Rio dos Sinos - UNISINOS, Avenida Unisinos, 950, São Leopoldo 93.022-750, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Rosalinda Carmela Montone
- Instituto Oceanográfico, Laboratório de Química Orgânica Marinha, Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Maria Virginia Petry
- Laboratório de Ornitologia e Animais Marinhos, Universidade do Vale do Rio dos Sinos - UNISINOS, Avenida Unisinos, 950, São Leopoldo 93.022-750, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
|
29
|
Bialas JT, Dylewski Ł, Tobolka M. Determination of nest occupation and breeding effect of the white stork by human-mediated landscape in Western Poland. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 27:4148-4158. [PMID: 31828707 PMCID: PMC7024061 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-019-06639-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2019] [Accepted: 09/26/2019] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Choosing an appropriate nest site is essential for successful breeding. Changes in land use cause populations of many species to decline although some species adapt to anthropogenic changes. The white stork Ciconia ciconia commonly uses artificial nest sites. Recently, white storks from Western Europe have been using landfills as feeding sites; the beginnings of this process are being observed in Central-Eastern Europe. The study aimed to determine factors influencing the probability of nest occupation and breeding effect in a Central-Eastern European population of white storks. We used long-term data from Western Poland on breeding effect, nest occupation, the structure supporting the nest, the proximity of the nearest landfills, landfill area, and land cover. The probability of nest occupation was significantly dependent on habitat quality (based on the share of the preferred type of land cover), the structure supporting the nest, and landfill proximity within a specific year. The breeding effect was influenced by habitat quality and nesting structure. We demonstrate that the type of nesting structure is an important factor influencing both the probability of nest reoccupation and breeding effect. However, the significance of landfills appears to be growing, and in recent years, storks prefer occupying nests closer to landfills, which may have significant consequences for the population of the white stork.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joanna T Bialas
- Institute of Zoology, Poznań University of Life Sciences, Wojska Polskiego 71C, 60-625, Poznań, Poland.
| | - Łukasz Dylewski
- Institute of Dendrology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Parkowa 5, 62-035, Kórnik, Poland
| | - Marcin Tobolka
- Institute of Zoology, Poznań University of Life Sciences, Wojska Polskiego 71C, 60-625, Poznań, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Jagiello Z, Dylewski Ł, Tobolka M, Aguirre JI. Life in a polluted world: A global review of anthropogenic materials in bird nests. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2019; 251:717-722. [PMID: 31108305 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2019.05.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2018] [Revised: 05/01/2019] [Accepted: 05/06/2019] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Human pressure exerts a significant influence on animals and the environment. One of its consequences, plastic pollution is considered one of the major threats to fauna as well as a significant conservation issue. In this research, we examined the global pattern of one example of avian behavior in response to pollution-namely, the incorporation of anthropogenic materials into nests-as well as the existing knowledge on this subject. Based on 25 articles, we studied 51 populations, involving 24 bird species, and checked 10,790 nests; as a result, we found that incorporation of debris is correlated with increasing human influence on the environment, measured as the Human Footprint Index. Moreover, the probability of debris incorporation is higher in terrestrial than in marine species. We also identified knowledge bias in favor of marine as opposed to terrestrial species: namely, marine species attract more scientific attention than terrestrial. Furthermore, research approaches to these two ecosystems differ. Undeniably, the factors which influence debris incorporation by birds, the scale of this behavior, and particular forms of use of debris in bird nests are aspects which require long-term standardized research. This is the first global review paper on debris incorporation by birds to demonstrate a close link to human pressure as a driver.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zuzanna Jagiello
- Institute of Zoology, Poznań University of Life Sciences, Wojska Polskiego 71C, 60-625, Poznań, Poland; Department of Biodiversity, Ecology and Evolution, Complutense University of Madrid, José Antonio Novais, 12, 28040, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Łukasz Dylewski
- Institute of Zoology, Poznań University of Life Sciences, Wojska Polskiego 71C, 60-625, Poznań, Poland
| | - Marcin Tobolka
- Institute of Zoology, Poznań University of Life Sciences, Wojska Polskiego 71C, 60-625, Poznań, Poland
| | - José I Aguirre
- Department of Biodiversity, Ecology and Evolution, Complutense University of Madrid, José Antonio Novais, 12, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|