The Feeding Behavior of Wild-birds on Waste Dumps: A Potential Pathogenic Threat to the Human Population in the Campus of Yaoundé University I, Centre Region, Cameroon

Abstract

In most African countries including Cameroon, avian study, conservation and protection efforts are mainly focused on protected areas such as national parks. But, exploration and conservation of birds in urban areas particularly in waste disposal sites are neglected. Hence, the objective of this study was to assess wild-bird feeding activity on waste dumps in the campus of Yaounde University I. The research area was divided into four zones, north, south, east, and west zone. Four dumpsites were randomly selected from each zone and were visited twice a week for research data collection. On the dumps, observations were done from 7:00am – 6:00pm, and foraging activities of all the bird species observed were recorded on data sheets during the period. More so, the ecological conditions like the atmospheric changes, photo-period, weight estimate of dumps, proximity of dump to residential homes, major dump materials were recorded simultaneously. The study revealed a significance on bird species and dumpsite location X 2 = 14.485 df=9, P<0.05. Grey-headed sparrow ( Passer griseus ) 48% was the most abundant bird species on the dumpsites compared to village weaver ( Ploceus cucullatus ) 32%, little weaver-bird ( Ploceus luteolus ) 16%, and pied crow 4% respectively. The feeding rate of the birds showed a significance on atmospheric conditions X 2 = 82.674 df=4, P=0.000. Amongst these three activities rates, normal 41% was the most recorded compared to low 38%, and high 21% respectively. The cloudy atmospheric condition 3% almost halted feeding activity of the birds at the dumpsites compared to windy 72%, and sunny 25% respectively. Moreover, a significance was revealed by dump-weight and feeding rate X 2 =22.617 df=4, P=0.000. Though all the dumpsites received feeding and foraging activity of birds, 1-tonne dumps had the highest waste materials 45% while 2-tonne, and 3-tonne dumps had the least 31% and 24% respectively. Dump proximity to buildings and feeding rate were also significant X 2 = 27.640 df=6, P=0.000. Additionally, a significance was recorded between day-period and feeding rate X 2 = 83.271 df=4, P=0.000. This study observed high feeding and foraging rate during the morning period of the day 40% compared to afternoon and evening with 26% and 34% respectively. Solid dumps are rich in rodents, birds, reptiles, insects, domestic animals like cats, dogs, and pigs. These animals very much depend on these dump-subsidized-food source for their livelihood. Unfortunately, they could vector diseases like malaria, typhoid, and cholera, amongst many others into the human society. Though, waste management is given a little attention in the country, inability for waste segregation at dumpsites, together with cycling gaps has rather fuelled health problems to some people living some school campuses and cities. More waste management budget and training is needed if human-health improvement is expected in the country Keywords: University, Waste materials, Bird species, Dump location, Ecological conditions DOI: 10.7176/JBAH/12-11-02 Publication date: June 30 th 2022