
Wildlife Biology, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: unknown
Published: Dec. 27, 2024
Urbanization affects ecosystems by reducing biodiversity and displacing species from native habitats. While some suffer, others, like urban wildlife, adapt through innovative feeding behaviours that improve their fitness in human‐altered settings. Despite research on wildlife areas, the development of foraging behaviour is still understudied. Here, we examined age‐related differences yellow‐legged gulls Larus michahellis Barcelona (Spain), a densely populated coastal ecosystem. Using biologging technologies trophic markers, compared strategies, habitat use, human interactions, niches juvenile, immature, adult over three breeding seasons. The results showed spatial distribution this opportunistic species. Juveniles immatures mainly foraged ports at sea, while adults favoured These patterns likely stem reproductive constraints lower efficiency younger birds. Adults' primary use habitats also explains higher niche. Furthermore, fishing activity significantly influenced gull across age groups, with strong associations between vessels. By studying how life stage influence behaviour, provides insights to guide targeted management strategies for
Language: Английский