Seabird Colonies Research Articles

Interspecific relationships in a suboptimal habitat, an unexpected ally for the survival of the threatened Tenerife speckled lizard (Gallotia intermedia)

Anthropogenic-driven environmental changes are pushing species to the limits of their habitats. More often species are restricted to relic or suboptimal habitats that present the minimum requirements to sustain species populations. In this scenario of accelerated environmental change and biodiversity loss, is fundamental to understand why species can survive in such suboptimal conditions. In this study, we show how the Tenerife speckled lizard (Gallotia intermedia), a critically endangered endemic reptile from the Canary Islands, can maintain stable populations in relic habitats thanks to its interactions with the yellow-legged gull (Larus michahellis) colony. A stable isotope analysis revealed that G. intermedia relies on marine subsidies for its diet and that the foraging area of this reptile is likely to be restricted to the limits of L. michahellis breeding colony. Furthermore, an antipredator behaviour analysis showed that L. michahellis displayed a strong anti-predator or mobbing response against cats, one of the main threats for G. intermedia, thus potentially providing some protection to the reptiles inhabiting the seabird colony. Our results show how unusual and poorly studied biotic interactions can provide valuable resources and conditions for the conservation of a critically endangered species inhabiting a suboptimal or relict habitat.

Nest‐site fidelity of Arctic terns Sterna paradisaea in a managed environment exposed to benign human activity

Human activity near seabird colonies is often equated with disturbance. Coping with human disturbance is a critical task in the management of seabird colonies where human access is an issue. Nest‐site fidelity and breeding dispersal were characterised in an Arctic tern population exposed to a high level of benign human activity from resident conservation staff and public visitors. The annual return rate of nesting birds was 90% over the 10‐year study period. Nest‐site fidelity was high with most birds returning to the same 2 × 2 m square in subsequent years, in particular to nest sites that were against walls and exposed to a high level of human activity at close range. This indicates that human activity was not a deterrent to nesting by Arctic terns. Breeding dispersal to other nearby colonies was low, except when related to colony abandonment. The data suggest that benign human activity from resident staff and public visitors can be a positive benefit, both within and across years, to Arctic tern colonies. Managed public access could be considered an effective management tool for Arctic tern conservation, as well as seabird colonies more widely.

Blending census and paleolimnological data allows for tracking the establishment and growth of a major gannet colony over several centuries

Seabird colonies with long-term monitoring records, i.e., > 50 years, are rare. The population data for northern gannets (Morus bassanus) in Cape St. Mary’s (CSM) Ecological Reserve (Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada) is robust, extending back to 1883 when the colony was presumed established. We inferred the colony’s historical population shifts by measuring ornithogenic proxies in a dated sediment record collected from a nearby pond. Our record extended to the early eighteenth century, but the proxy data only began to show significant signs of seabird presence between ca. 1832 and 1910, aligning with the period gannets were first observed at CSM. Through the twentieth century, we observed significant increases in δ15N, P, Zn, Cd, and chlorophyll a, coeval with a shift in the dominant diatom species, indicating rapid colony growth. The proxies were overall highest in ca. 2005, corresponding to the reported historical maximum of the gannet colony in 2009. Our results validate that paleo-reconstructions using ornithogenic proxies can accurately reflect population trends and provide a stronger understanding of the colony’s establishment and growth. This study highlights the value of applying paleolimnological methods in seabird population studies to frame the history of a colony’s dynamics and inform conservation efforts.

Seabirds as biovectors in the transport of plastic debris across ecosystem borders: A case study from the Humboldt Current Upwelling System

Seabirds have become biovectors of plastic pollutants between marine and terrestrial ecosystems, and transport of plastics to their nesting sites becomes relevant due to increasing levels of pollution. To determine the pathways by which plastic reaches their colonies, we analysed the abundance of plastics at the nesting sites of five seabird species (Humboldt penguin Spheniscus humboldti, Peruvian booby Sula variegata, kelp gull Larus dominicanus, grey gull Leucophaeus modestus, Markham's storm-petrel Hydrobates markhami) nesting in northern Chile. Seabirds were primarily grouped according to their nesting behaviour, but two species foraging in contrasting habitats (kelp gull and Markham's storm-petrel) were also compared directly. The abundance, type, and polymer of macro-, meso- and microplastics were analysed in the soil of colonies and control sites, and microplastic ingestion was evaluated for selected species. Densities of plastics in colonies of surface-nesting seabirds ranged from 0 to 21.4 items m−2 (mainly plastic bags and thin films), and 0.002 to 19.7 items m−2 (mainly hard fragments) in colonies of burrow-nesting seabirds. Mean microplastic loads in the stomachs of seabirds were between 3.7 ± 4.2 plastic items individual−1. Overall, the abundances of plastic items in all seabird colonies were low, suggesting a limited transfer of plastics from sea to land. For kelp gulls, the results indicate transfer of macroplastic items to colonies, reaching the colony via regurgitates, with landfills considered as the main plastic source. Our results suggest that contrasting nesting behaviour and foraging habitats among species can explain differential plastic accumulation in seabird colonies, but also other factors, such as wind, contribute to the accumulation of plastic debris in colonies. Proper management of sanitary landfills are key to reduce plastic contamination of coastal seabirds and their colonies.

Evaluation of the potentially toxic elements and radionuclides in the soil sample of Novaya Zemlya in the Arctic Circle

The study presented here elucidate the concentrations of radionuclides and potentially toxic elements in the soil samples around the Novaya Zemlya in the Russian Arctic zone, determined using HPGe gamma spectrometry, inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry and direct mercury analyzer. The average detected concentrations for 226Ra, 232Th, 40K, 235U and 137Cs were 36.40, 46.06, 768, 2.06 and 4.71 Bq/kg, respectively. At many sampling sites, the concentrations of potentially toxic elements (Zn, Cu, Pb, Cd, Ni, and Cr) were higher than the natural levels. Positive Matrix Factorization analysis revealed the contribution of oil dumps (32%), natural sources (16%), bird colonies (32%) and atmospheric deposition (20%) for elevated elements content. In the case of radionuclides, the natural occurring contamination (38%) was primary source followed by dumped material (32%) and bird colonies (30%). The radiological risk from radionuclides was relatively high, yet still under permissible levels. For potentially toxic elements, Fe was predominant non-carcinogenic pollutant and Ni emerged as major carcinogenic contaminant. Keeping in view the high content of some elements, future studies are required to keep the human and ecological risk low, and to establish scientific grounds for the contribution of settled bird species. The findings of the study advance the present knowledge about the contamination of the study area and lays the path for further effort.

Land-based foraging by polar bears reveals sexual conflict outside mating season

According to sexual selection theory, the sexes are faced with opposing evolutionary goals. Male fitness benefits from access to females, whereas female fitness is constrained by food resources and safety for themselves and their offspring. Particularly in large solitary carnivores, such as polar bears (Ursus maritimus), these divergent goals can potentially lead to conflict between the sexes. Outside the mating season, when polar bears are on the move across vast distances, the consequences of such conflict can become apparent when individuals arrive at the same food source. To investigate interrelationships between the sexes, we observed successive polar bears visiting a bird breeding colony to feed on clutches of eggs. We found that males succeeded females more frequently and more closely than expected by chance. Moreover, when males were closer to conspecifics, they walked faster, spent less time in the colony and ingested less food. In contrast, female foraging performance was not associated with proximity to other bears. Irrespective of proximity, females generally spent short periods in the colony and ingested fewer clutches than males. Our results suggest that in polar bears, there is a trade-off between the benefits of food intake and the opportunities (in males) and risks (in females) posed by encountering conspecifics.

Spatio‐temporal differences in the diet and trophic ecology of Kelp Gulls (Larus dominicanus) in South Africa

Opportunistic species, including some gulls (Laridae), can benefit from urbanization and increased anthropogenic food resources. Knowledge of the level of exploitation of anthropogenic resources by gulls is crucial to understand how changes in food availability might affect their populations, which in turn may impact other species. The Kelp Gull Larus dominicanus is widely distributed in the southern hemisphere and consumes a wide variety of resources, from waste in landfills to seabirds. We assessed if proximity to landfills influenced the diet and trophic ecology of Kelp Gull incubating adults and chicks using a combination of conventional diet sampling (stomach contents, regurgitated pellets), and carbon and nitrogen stable isotope analysis of blood plasma in seven colonies over two consecutive years in South Africa. Kelp Gulls consumed a variety of resources, including marine (e.g. fish), coastal (e.g. molluscs), terrestrial natural (e.g. insects, mammals), or terrestrial anthropogenic (e.g. chicken, bread) items. Inter‐annual differences were most apparent among gulls breeding next to a seabird colony, whereas gulls breeding at other colonies were more consistent in diet and trophic ecology. At most colonies, chicks were fed more natural and higher trophic level food items than were consumed by incubating adults. Overall, distance to landfill did not strongly affect the diet and trophic ecology and our results suggest that the Kelp Gull's broad feeding ecology allows it to buffer changes in food availability by switching among food resources. However, such dietary changes triggered by human actions may impact other species, including threatened seabirds.

Activity of predators in seabird colonies decreases during the darkest compared to the brightest phase of the diel cycle below, but not above, the Arctic Circle

ABSTRACT Predator activity can structure communities temporally and influence the spatial distribution of prey. Yet, despite the influence this may have on prey species’ activity or geographic persistence, our understanding of whether diel predator activity changes geographically remains limited. Here, we conduct a case study to test whether predator activity during the darkest phase of the diel cycle increases with the duration of daylight (i.e. photoperiod) at high latitudes during summer, aligning with the photoperiod constraint hypothesis. Using both observations and experiments at one seabird colony above and one below the northern polar (Arctic) circle, we compared predator activity between the brightest and darkest phases of the diel cycle. Avian predator counts were greater and nest predation events were more common during the brightest phase of the diel cycle below the Arctic Circle (i.e. where the sun goes below the horizon) but similar across phases during polar summer (i.e. above the Arctic Circle when the sun does not set). Our results highlight the potential influence of light on activity of predator communities and suggest a possible latitudinal limit to the advantage gained by dark-active strategies for avoidance of visually hunting predators.

Omega-3 fatty acids-critical for the marine food web and for seabird productivity

Abstract Seabird reproductive success in northern latitudes is often linked with prey abundance, availability, size, or species. Causes are often broadly explained as changes in ocean currents/temperatures, or diets. Few studies trace diets down the food web to primary producers, thus missing what I propose as an underlying cause of seabird colony failure, dietary abundance of essential omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). PUFA differ from other nutrients because they are, in part, ligands—critical for reproduction and other physiological processes for the entire marine food web, not just for seabirds. Diatoms are one of the few life forms that can produce PUFA de novo, and a lack of PUFA in zooplankton and fish reduces their abundance and productivity, with consequences up the food web. Since the mid-1980s, historical prey of breeding seabirds has decreased, and frequency of colony failures has increased. In years of failure, prey often had less fat than historically preferred species. Likewise, proportions of alternate species’ PUFA, from published papers, show lower values than in historical prey. Production of PUFA by diatoms is depressed in warmer and more acidic environments, and I hypothesize that these warmer and more acidic seas have affected production of PUFA over the past 3–4 decades. Assuming this is true, I propose that these lower amounts of PUFA have negatively impacted the breeding success of all members of the marine food web, not just seabirds.

Comparable foraging effort and habitat use between two geographically proximate tropical seabird colonies

Effective seabird conservation requires understanding their marine spatial ecology. Tracking can reveal details of their foraging ecology and habitat use, as well as the suitability of marine protected areas for at-sea conservation, but results are often regionally specific. Here we characterised the foraging behaviour of tropical breeding brown boobies Sula leucogaster in the Chagos Archipelago, Western Indian Ocean, and tested habitat requirements. GPS tracking of thirteen individuals from two colonies, located 142 km apart on the same atoll (Great Chagos Bank), showed similar foraging effort and habitat preferences despite differences in season and breeding stage. Brown boobies from both tracked populations foraged close to the colony along the atoll shelf edge, avoiding deep oceanic areas and shallow waters of the Great Chagos Bank atoll, but within the Chagos Archipelago Marine Protected Area. Sea-level height anomaly and sea surface temperature were important foraging predictors at both sites, although birds experienced distinct environmental conditions between colonies. These results suggest that while brown boobies have colony-specific at-sea foraging areas, similarities in habitat drivers of distribution and foraging behaviour can inform predictions of distributions at other colonies within the archipelago, with important benefits for at-sea conservation efforts.

An Avian-Aquapelagic Heritage at “the Edge of the World” Reflections on Humans and Seabirds on St Kilda and the Arrival of HPAIV

The concept of the aquapelago was introduced into Island Studies in 2012 to identify the close integration of aquatic and terrestrial realms that can arise from human livelihood activities conducted within them. While many aspects of aquapelagos have subsequently been described and analysed, little attention has been extended to their interface with aerial and, particularly, avian domains. This article attempts to redress this through a consideration of human livelihood activities involving seabirds in St Kilda, an isolated group of islands to the west of Scotland’s Outer Hebrides. Using the concept of the aquapelago as a starting point, the article considers various aspects of human-avian relations occurring on St Kilda, and UNESCO’s subsequent designation of the islands as a World Heritage site and intersperses this with the author’s personal experiences of and affective engagements with the islands. In particular, the latter part of the article develops the author’s field notes from a visit in Summer 2022 into a consideration of the limits of isolation occasioned by the presence of the H5N1 strain of HPAIV (Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus) on St Kilda at that time. The viral colonisation of the bird colonies undermined any sense of St Kilda and similar remote locations being safely isolated refugia and, indeed, signalled a particularly precarious moment of Anthropocene connectivity between mainlands and islands.

Combining video and GPS-tracking to study the spatial foraging distribution of a single-prey loading seabird

Seabirds are valuable indicators of marine ecosystem processes and studying seabird diets can shed light on natural or human-induced variability in food-web composition. Specifically single-prey loading seabird species such as terns have the potential to act as visual sentinels of prey availability offshore. However, obtaining diet information from remote bird colonies is often challenging and time consuming. In this pilot study we present a novel approach to combine two established methods to study seabird foraging ecology, providing a powerful and cost-effective tool to study the distribution of prey items available to seabirds. We combined GPS tracking data of Sandwich Terns (Thalasseus sandvicensis) with prey-observations from a hide in 2012 and 2013, and from semi-continuously recorded camera footage in 2017. By doing so, we identified 115 approximate catch locations of prey (86 herring/sprat Clupeidae, 29 sandeel Ammodytidae). Combining GPS-data and prey observations yielded detailed knowledge on the movements and chick diets of tracked birds as well as the spatial origin and lengths of captured prey items. Further catch distances of both Clupeidae and Ammodytidae resulted in deliveries of larger prey items and thus higher energy yield per trip, but also a higher energy expenditure per trip. We discuss the limitations and potential of our methodological approach to study foraging energetics during chick-provisioning of seabirds that carry prey items visible in their beaks.

Seabird presence and seasonality influence nutrient dynamics of atoll habitats

AbstractMarine nutrients underpin productivity and functioning of oceanic island ecosystems. On islands where they nest, seabirds represent a primary source of marine nutrients. In tropical regions, some of the largest seabird populations nest on atolls, yet there is limited information available on seabird contributions to atoll ecosystem nutrient dynamics. To investigate the spatial and seasonal dynamics of seabird contributions, we assessed seabird colonies of different taxa, including red‐footed boobies and terns, nesting on separate islands of Farquhar Atoll, Seychelles. We assessed nutrient concentrations of guano, soil, coastal plants, and nearby seagrass in seabird colonies and at a control island with no seabirds, during the wet and dry seasons. Sooty terns contributed the highest quantities of nutrients, estimated at 71.2 N tonne/year and 52.2 P tonne/year. Seabird‐derived nutrient transfer occurred year‐round from seabird colonies to soil, coastal plants and seagrass. Soil macro‐ and inorganic nutrients were higher in the high‐density tern colony and during the dry season, coinciding with the breeding period of sooty terns. Both red‐footed booby and tern colonies maintained high nitrogen levels in coastal plants year‐round, while phosphorus levels did not differ between islands or seasons. Seabird‐derived nitrogen reversed nitrogen limitation of seagrass during the dry season. We provide the first insights into seabird nutrient contributions to atoll ecosystems in Seychelles, with recommendations for seabird conservation to boost and support atoll and island ecosystem resilience. Our results from a relatively undisturbed atoll serve as a baseline with which more impacted atolls and future changes can be assessed.

Chemical composition, source characteristics, and hygroscopic properties of organic-enriched aerosols in the high Arctic during summer

Arctic regions are extremely sensitive to global warming. Aerosols are one of the most important short-lived climate-forcing agents affecting the Arctic climate. The present study examines the summertime chemical characteristics and potential sources of various organic and inorganic aerosols at a Norwegian Arctic site, Ny-Ålesund (79°N). The results show that organic matter (OM) accounts for 60 % of the total PM10 mass, followed by sulfate (SO42−). Water-soluble organic carbon (WSOC) contributes 62 % of OC. Photochemical processes involving diverse anthropogenic and biogenic precursor compounds are identified as the major sources of WSOC, while water-insoluble organic carbon (WIOC) aerosols are predominantly linked to primary marine emissions. Despite being a remote pristine site, the aerosols show a sign of chemical aging, evidenced by a significant chloride depletion, which was about 82 % on average during the study period. Nitrogen-containing aerosols are likely stemming from migratory seabird colonies and local dust sources around the sampling site. While biogenic, crustal, and sea salt-derived SO42- account for 37%, 8%, and 5% respectively, the remaining 50% is attributed to anthropogenic SO42-. Through chemical tracers, Pearson correlation coefficient matrix, and Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA), the present study identifies soil biota (terrestrial biogenic) and marine emissions, along with their photochemical oxidation processes, as potential sources of Arctic aerosols during summer, while biomass burning and combustion-related sources have a minor contribution. The chemical closure of hygroscopicity highlights that while organics predominantly control aerosol hygroscopicity in the Arctic summer, specific inorganic components like (NH4)2SO4 can significantly increase it on certain days, affecting aerosol-cloud interactions and climate processes over the Arctic during summer. The present study highlights the high abundance of organics and their vital role in the Arctic climate during summer when natural aerosols are conquered.

Proof of concept evidence that stable isotopes of carbon, nitrogen and sulphur may identify individual kittiwakes breeding in different colonies.

Carbon, nitrogen and sulphur stable isotopes in feathers grown by seabirds while breeding reflect the local isoscape and diet in the vicinity of the colony, so may make it possible to discriminate individual birds from different colonies. Black-legged kittiwake Rissa tridactyla inner primary feathers from two colonies about 350 km apart in the North Sea were used to test whether δ13C, δ15N and δ34S differed between individuals from the two colonies. Feather tips cut from breeding birds caught at nests were compared with tips of moulted feathers (grown 1year earlier) found on the ground. Isotopic compositions showed no overlap between the two colonies in δ13C, δ15N or δ34S in tips of newly-grown feathers sampled from breeding adult kittiwakes. There was some overlap in δ13C, δ15N and δ34S from moulted feathers, but discriminant analysis allowed >90% of individuals to be assigned to their colony. In five of six comparisons, mean isotopic compositions were the same in new and moulted feathers but not for δ34S at one of the two colonies. This study has demonstrated for the first time that stable isotopes in inner primary feathers of kittiwakes can allow accurate identification of the breeding colony of individual birds from two different colonies within the North Sea. Further research is required to determine if this method can be applied with greater spatial resolution and to a larger number of colonies.

Seabird guano inputs increase impacts from introduced mammals on the native plants and animals of an oceanic island.

Seabirds create fluxes of nutrients from marine to terrestrial ecosystems that influence the food webs of small islands. We investigated how guano inputs shape terrestrial food webs by comparing species of selected plant and animal species in a red-footed booby colony in Mona Island (Puerto Rico, Caribbean Sea), to sites of the island lacking guano inputs. We quantified guano deposition and its relationship to plant biomass production, fecundity and density, as well as the activity of native and introduced animal species. In general, guano inputs increased the gross primary plant productivity, size, and fecundity by twofold. Guano inputs were also associated with twofold increases in density of Anole lizards, but also to increases in the activity of introduced pigs (> 500%), goats (> 30%), and cats (> 500%), which negatively impact native species. In particular, elevated pig and cat activity within the booby colony was correlated with lower activity of endemic ground lizards and of introduced rats. Our results also suggest that severe droughts associated with climate change exacerbate the negative effects that introduced species have on vegetation and reduce the positive effects of seabird guano inputs. Our findings underscore the importance of allochthonous guano inputs in subsidizing plant productivity and native and endemic species in small oceanic islands, but also in increasing the negative impacts of introduced mammals. Management and conservation efforts should focus on the exclusion (or eradication) of introduced mammals, particularly pigs and goats, from remnant seabird colonies in Mona Island.

Acoustic monitoring reveals a diel rhythm of an arctic seabird colony (little auk, Alle alle)

The child-like question of why birds sing in the morning is difficult to answer, especially in polar regions. There, in summer animals live without the time constraints of daylight, and little is known about the rhythmicity of their routines. Moreover, in situ monitoring of animal behavior in remote areas is challenging and rare. Here, we use audio data from Greenland to show that a colony of a key Arctic-breeding seabird, the little auk (Alle alle), erupts with acoustic excitement at night in August, under the midnight sun. We demonstrate that the acoustic activity cycle is consistent with previous direct observations of the feeding and attendance patterns of the little auk. We interpret this pattern as reflecting their foraging activities, but further investigation on fledging and predators is needed. The study demonstrates that acoustic monitoring is a promising alternative to otherwise demanding manual observations of bird colonies in remote Arctic areas.

Seabird nutrient subsidies enrich mangrove ecosystems and are exported to nearby coastal habitats

Eutrophication by human-derived nutrient enrichment is a major threat to mangroves, impacting productivity, ecological functions, resilience, and ecosystem services. Natural mangrove nutrient enrichment processes, however, remain largely uninvestigated. Mobile consumers such as seabirds are important vectors of cross-ecosystem nutrient subsidies to islands but how they influence mangrove ecosystems is poorly known. We assessed the contribution, uptake, cycling, and transfer of nutrients from seabird colonies in remote mangrove systems free of human stressors. We found that nutrients from seabird guano enrich mangrove plants, reduce nutrient limitations, enhance mangrove invertebrate food webs, and are exported to nearby coastal habitats through tidal flow. We show that seabird nutrient subsidies in mangroves can be substantial, improving the nutrient status and health of mangroves and adjacent coastal habitats. Conserving mobile consumers, such as seabirds, is therefore vital to preserve and enhance their role in mangrove productivity, resilience, and provision of diverse functions and services.

An interspecific foraging association with polar bears increases foraging opportunities for avian predators in a declining Arctic seabird colony.

Interspecific foraging associations (IFAs) are biological interactions where two or more species forage in association with each other. Climate-induced reductions in Arctic sea ice have increased polar bear (Ursus maritimus) foraging in seabird colonies, which creates foraging opportunities for avian predators. We used drone video of bears foraging within a common eider (Somateria mollissima) colony on East Bay Island (Nunavut, Canada) in 2017 to investigate herring gull (Larus argentatus) foraging in association with bears. We recorded nest visitation by gulls following n = 193 eider flushing events from nests during incubation. The probability of gulls visiting eider nests increased with higher number of gulls present (β = 0.14 ± 0.03 [SE], p < .001) and for nests previously visited by a bear (β = 1.14 ± 0.49 [SE], p < .02). In our model examining the probability of gulls consuming eggs from nests, we failed to detect statistically significant effects for the number of gulls present (β = 0.09 ± 0.05 [SE], p < .07) or for nests previously visited by a bear (β = -0.92 ± 0.71 [SE], p < .19). Gulls preferred to visit nests behind bears (χ2 = 18, df = 1, p < .0001), indicating gulls are risk averse in the presence of polar bears. Our study provides novel insights on an Arctic IFA, and we present evidence that gulls capitalize on nests made available due to disturbance associated with foraging bears, as eiders disturbed off their nest allow gulls easier access to eggs. We suggest the IFA between gulls and polar bears is parasitic, as gulls are consuming terrestrial resources which would have eventually been consumed by bears. This finding has implications for estimating the energetic contribution of bird eggs to polar bear summer diets in that the total number of available clutches to consume may be reduced due to avian predators.

Breeding colony contraction of Asian openbill stork (Anastomus oscitans): an eco-spatial monitoring from Keleghai River Bank, India.

Asian openbill stork (Anastomus oscitans) colonies and also the numbers were enormous before some decades in some villages beside Keleghai River bank. However, there has been a significant decline in both the colonies and their populations. This present study investigates the rapid decline in the number of breeding colonies and birds, exploring the reasons behind this phenomenon. To address these inquiries, the study collects perceptions from various stakeholders through extensive field observations and interviews. Expeditions are conducted to comprehend the prevailing situation and associated circumstances. Qualitative observations reveal that human intervention, both direct and indirect, is limiting the development of stork colonies. Data analysis indicates that 37.5% of respondents attribute the contraction of bird colonies to changes in land use, while 26.3% point to the extermination of larger trees along the colony periphery. Additionally, 18.05% of opinions implicate the heavy use of pesticides and fertilizers in the wetland, 6.94% cite local climate change, and 11.11% cite other reasons. To validate the gathered information, the study employed temporal land use land cover (LULC) classification techniques. Random point pattern analysis from Google Image of 2023 is also utilized to reinforce the survey results. It enhances understanding of the spatio-temporal relationship. Subsequently, the study presents the correlation matrix to elucidate the relationship between stork colonies and contributing factors. It provides a clear insight into the underlying situations. Finally, a comparative analysis of the surveyed and spatial analysis information is conducted to detect and validate the perception of stakeholders. Based on these observations, the study formulates conservation measures for the bird habitat and their colonies in the study area.