Rapid behavioural response of urban birds to COVID-19 lockdown

Proceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences, Journal Year: 2021, Volume and Issue: 288(1946), P. 20202513 - 20202513

Published: March 10, 2021

Biodiversity is threatened by the growth of urban areas. However, it still poorly understood how animals can cope with and adapt to these rapid dramatic transformations natural environments. The COVID-19 pandemic provides us a unique opportunity unveil mechanisms involved in this process. Lockdown measures imposed most countries are causing an unprecedented reduction human activities, giving experimental setting assess effects our lifestyle on biodiversity. We studied birds' response population lockdown using more than 126 000 bird records collected citizen science project northeastern Spain. compared occurrence detectability birds during spring 2020 baseline data from previous years same areas dates. found that did not increase their probability lockdown, refuting hypothesis nature has recovered its space human-emptied we detectability, especially early morning, suggesting change birds’ daily routines quieter less crowded cities. Therefore, show high behavioural plasticity rapidly adjust novel environmental conditions, such as those COVID-19.

Language: Английский

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The power of community science to quantify ecological interactions in cities

Scientific Reports, Journal Year: 2021, Volume and Issue: 11(1)

Published: Feb. 4, 2021

Abstract Studying animals in urban environments is especially challenging because much of the area private property not easily accessible to professional scientists. In addition, collecting data on that are cryptic, secretive, or rare also due time and resources needed amass an adequate dataset. Here, we show community science can be a powerful tool overcome these challenges. We used observations submitted platform iNaturalist assess predation parasitism across urbanization gradients ‘hard-to-study’ species, Southern Alligator Lizard ( Elgaria multicarinata ). From photographs, quantified risk by assessing tail injuries counting tick loads lizards. found increased with age urbanization, suggesting areas risky habitats. Conversely, decreased likely loss hosts anti-tick medications human companion animals. This approach generated large dataset secretive species rapidly at immense spatial scale facilitated quantitative measures (e.g. percent impervious surface cover) as opposed qualitative vs. rural). therefore demonstrate help resolve ecological questions otherwise would difficult address.

Language: Английский

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Does land-use and land cover affect vector-borne diseases? A systematic review and meta-analysis

Landscape Ecology, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 38(10), P. 2433 - 2451

Published: Aug. 9, 2023

Abstract Context Vector-borne diseases (VBD) are a worldwide public health problem for humans and wildlife. 'Global Change' such as habitat alteration land-use intensification, biotic exchange, the introduction of invasive alien species, climate change have all been linked to an increased occurrence VBDs. Objectives To evaluate impact land-cover (LULC) on transmission VBDs, we conducted systematic review existing literature global effects land use This was followed by meta-analysis test relationship between LULC intensification infection prevalence. Methods Overall, 654 articles met our inclusion criteria review, 18 studies fulfilled requirements meta-analysis. Results The identified 162 with total 2541 data entries effect majority were published after 2010, spatial distribution biased towards North America Europe. 193 different hosts 144 vector groups identified. Avian human malaria most frequently named diseases, Anopheles mosquitoes common host vector, respectively. Our found that intensity, well targets (host vector), significantly prevalence Tests both residual heterogeneity moderators significant, where lower intensity vectors VBD prevalence, while medium associated higher Analysis sub-model supported these findings, in low intensity. Conclusions revealed temporal increase publications this topic, significant rise since 2007 uneven across countries, United States, Spain, Brazil being prominent contributors wide range pathogens involved systems, avian commonly mentioned diseases. We also show, through meta-analysis, affects VBDs Future should incorporate vector-borne diverse ecosystems inform management strategies mitigate disease emergence implications human, livestock wildlife health.

Language: Английский

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The impact of urbanization on health depends on the health metric, life stage and level of urbanization: a global meta-analysis on avian species

Proceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 291(2027)

Published: July 17, 2024

Stressors associated with urban habitats have been linked to poor wildlife health but whether a general negative relationship between urbanization and animal can be affirmed is unclear. We conducted meta-analysis of avian literature test biomarkers differed on average non-urban environments, there are systematic differences across species, biomarkers, life stages species traits. Our dataset included 644 effect sizes derived from 112 articles published 1989 2022, 51 bird species. First, we showed that was no clear impact when categorized the sampling locations as or non-urban. However, did find small this dichotomous variable replaced by quantitative representing degree at each location. Second, dependent type biomarker measured well individual stage, young individuals being more negatively affected. comprehensive analysis calls for future studies disentangle specific urban-related drivers might obscured in categorical versus comparisons.

Language: Английский

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A field test of the dilution effect hypothesis in four avian multi-host pathogens

PLoS Pathogens, Journal Year: 2021, Volume and Issue: 17(6), P. e1009637 - e1009637

Published: June 23, 2021

The Dilution Effect Hypothesis (DEH) argues that greater biodiversity lowers the risk of disease and reduces rates pathogen transmission since more diverse communities harbour fewer competent hosts for any given pathogen, thereby reducing host exposure to pathogen. DEH is expected operate most intensely in vector-borne pathogens when species-rich are not associated with increased density. Overall, dilution will occur if species diversity leads a lower contact rate between infected vectors susceptible hosts, vectors. Field-based tests simultaneously analysing prevalence several multi-host relation vector required validate DEH. We tested relationship house sparrows (Passer domesticus) four pathogens-three avian haemosporidians (including malaria parasite Plasmodium malaria-like parasites Haemoproteus Leucocytozoon) West Nile virus (WNV)-and vertebrate diversity. Birds were sampled at 45 localities SW Spain which extensive data on (mosquitoes) exist. Vertebrate censuses conducted quantify mammal density, richness evenness. Contrary predictions DEH, WNV seroprevalence haemosporidian negatively either or Indeed, opposite pattern was found, positive relationships seroprevalence, Leucocytozoon being detected. When (mosquito) evenness incorporated into models, all previous associations community variables remained unchanged. No significant association found models tested. Despite studied system having characteristics should favour effect (i.e., pathogens, an area where densities unrelated, increase density), none richness, supported and, fact, amplification three Consequently, range needs be broadened we understand ecological factors how often these conditions nature.

Language: Английский

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Past and future: Urbanization and the avian endocrine system

General and Comparative Endocrinology, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 332, P. 114159 - 114159

Published: Nov. 9, 2022

Language: Английский

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Urbanisation-induced changes in the morphology of birds from a tropical city

Emu - Austral Ornithology, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 123(4), P. 291 - 302

Published: Sept. 21, 2023

ABSTRACTUrbanisation is accompanied by major environmental changes that impact the structure and functioning of communities ecosystems, bringing new selective regimes for animal species eco-evolutionary dynamics. We aimed to evaluate whether urban intensification promotes ecomorphological in birds from a large city Central Brazil. Analyses were performed on set 1314 individuals 35 species, captured along gradient intensification. found significant morphological associated with evaluating ten traits body mass assemblage. Beak length showed most dramatic changes, was significantly shorter as function intensification, mainly insectivorous omnivorous species. These results reinforce notion caused human activities dense environments promote pressures resident bird species.KEYWORDS: Ecomorphologyurban areaurban animalsurban sprawlurban biodiversityurbanisation intensity AcknowledgmentsWe thank Rufford Foundation grant support made this study possible (Project 36888-1), Brazilian education agency 'Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento Pessoal Nível Superior' (CAPES) PhD fellowship EGS, CNPq researcher MÂM. are grateful MSD his valuable comments during our statistical analyses, WSP RNS their contributions research development. also all volunteers assistance fieldwork. The captures reported here licenced (SISBIO/ICMBio: 73880-4; CEMAVE/ICMBio: 4639/1-2; CEUA/UCB: 001/2020).Disclosure statementNo potential conflict interest author(s).Data availability statementAll data available upon request.Geolocation informationBrasília, Distrito Federal, Brazil (15°47' Lat S 47°56′ Long W).Supplementary dataSupplemental article can be accessed at https://doi.org/10.1080/01584197.2023.2253836Additional informationFundingThe authors gratefully [Project 36888-1],

Language: Английский

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Landscape and mosquito community impact the avian Plasmodium infection in Culex pipiens

iScience, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 27(3), P. 109194 - 109194

Published: Feb. 10, 2024

Highlights•Plasmodium prevalence in mosquitoes was higher farther from saltmarshes and rivers•Plasmodium showed a negative correlation with the mosquito abundance•Plasmodium lineage richness lower rural than natural areas•Plasmodium increased species diversitySummaryAvian malaria parasites provide an important model for studying host-pathogen interactions, yet understanding their dynamics vectors under conditions is limited. We investigated effect of vector abundance, diversity, habitat characteristics on avian Plasmodium Culex pipiens across 45 urban, natural, localities southern Spain. Analyzing 16,574 grouped 768 pools, 32.7% exhibited parasite presence. 13 different lineages were identified, SYAT05 being most commonly found. Parasite positively correlated distance to rivers, but negatively total water source. diversity areas richness. These results emphasize complex wild, community driving transmission by vectors.Graphical abstract

Language: Английский

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Urbanization correlates with the prevalence and richness of blood parasites in Eurasian Blackbirds (Turdus merula)

The Science of The Total Environment, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 922, P. 171303 - 171303

Published: Feb. 27, 2024

Urbanization is increasing worldwide, producing severe environmental impacts. Biodiversity affected by the expansion of cities, with many species being unable to cope different human-induced stressors present in these landscapes. However, this knowledge mainly based on research from taxa such as plants or vertebrates, while other organisms like protozoa have been less studied context. The impact urbanization transmission vector-borne pathogens wildlife still unclear despite its relevance for animal and human health. Here, we investigated whether cities are associated changes prevalence richness lineages three protozoans (Plasmodium, Haemoproteus Leucocytozoon) Eurasian blackbirds (Turdus merula) multiple urban forest areas Europe. Our results show important species-specific differences between two habitat types. We found a significant lower Leucocytozoon birds compared birds, but no Plasmodium Haemoproteus. Furthermore, parasite European was higher than forests. also one lineage exclusively another only forests suggesting certain level specialization protozoan vectors. Overall, our findings that provide contrasting opportunities generate new scenarios interactions hosts, vectors parasites.

Language: Английский

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Urbanization enhances body condition, but not innate immune defences, in a common waterbird

Royal Society Open Science, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 12(1)

Published: Jan. 1, 2025

There is a growing body of evidence that urbanization can affect condition and immune function in wild birds, although these effects may be complex taxa-specific. Here, we assessed the on (size-corrected mass haemoglobin concentration) innate defences (haemolysis-haemagglutination assay, haptoglobin concentration bacterial killing assay) 136 Eurasian coots (Fulica atra) from three urban non-urban populations across Poland. We also quantified heterophil to lymphocyte ratio control for potential effect physiological stress defences. found showed significantly better than ones. At same time, no relationship between any defence or condition. Thus, our study offers support condition-dependent function. Our analyses revealed significant differences male female both defences; however, sex-specific responses urbanization. In conclusion, provides correlative habitat enhances condition, but not coot.

Language: Английский

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