Microfilariae contribute to a higher energetic demand that could lead to oxidative damage and reduce hosts' fitness. Yet reports about the energy status and oxidative stress‐defense mechanisms of infected wild birds are rarely documented. We investigated the relationship between microfilariae and the energy status and oxidative damage‐defense mechanisms of male village weavers Ploceus cucullatus during pre‐breeding and post‐breeding seasons (which also coincide with the birds' moult periods). Specifically, we investigated: 1) how glucose concentrations in filarial‐infected male village weavers varied during pre‐ and post‐breeding periods, and 2) how the superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels of the infected birds varied during these two periods. A total of 117 adult male birds were trapped. During the pre‐breeding period, 53% (33 of 62) of the individuals undergoing a pre‐breeding moult were infected, and 47% (29 of 62) were non‐infected. During the post‐breeding period, 42% (23 of 55) of the individuals undergoing a post‐breeding moult were infected, and 58% (32 of 55) were non‐infected. We observed a significant positive relationship(p < 0.05) between microfilaria infection status and plasma glucose levels, as well as between infection status and the breeding phases. However, the interaction between infection status and breeding phases was negatively correlated with plasma glucose concentration. We also found that both breeding phases and infection status were positively correlated with SOD, and that the interaction between infection status and MDA correlated negatively with SOD. However, there was no direct relationship observed between MDA and SOD levels. Our findings suggest that the effect of MDA on SOD may depend on microfilaria infection status. This implies that male village weavers could be experiencing fitness costs due to oxidative imbalance – potentially through compromised antioxidant defenses during the pre‐breeding and post‐breeding periods in infected individuals.

ABSTRACT Avian pseudotuberculosis infection usually presents as well-demarcated visceral necrotic foci, typically affecting the gastrointestinal tract, liver and spleen. This case series describes an atypical presentation of Yersinia pseudotuberculosis (Yptb) characterized by severe chronic myositis, arthritis and osteomyelitis in five village weavers (Ploceus cucullatus), and acute osteomyelitis and myositis associated with septicaemia in an oriental magpie robin (Copsychus saularis) from a zoological collection. Clinical signs of the weavers included lethargy, poor flying ability and focally extensive periarticular and muscular swelling, whereas the magpie robin was found dead without premonitory signs. Radiography revealed focal lytic and proliferative bone lesions with loss of articular congruity and increased radiopacity of skeletal muscles, which was compatible with severe necrotizing, granulomatous osteomyelitis and polyphasic myositis with large intralesional bacterial colonies on histology. Most (n = 4/5) birds with available histology exhibited only mild to moderate heterophilic to histiocytic inflammatory lesions in their intestines, spleen and liver. Bacterial cultures typically yielded Yptb from joint and muscle samples (3/3), and less consistently from visceral organs (6/11) and bone marrow (0/5). Bacterial typing using Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy suggested that weaver Yptb strains were closely related. Whole genome sequencing of two Yptb strains identified one as ST14 serotype O:2a and the other ST42 serotype O:1a, with the presence of virulence genes including plasmid-borne yadA and chromosomally encoded virulence genes ail and invA. Weavers may be prone to develop atypical pseudotuberculosis with the musculoskeletal system as a predilection site for bacterial growth and associated granulomatous lesions.

Studies on the impact of microfilariae does not only contribute to ecological conservation but bird-human-environmental interaction. As such, breeding and survival in the face of infections are among the ultimate goals of all species; however, this may also incur a cost of physiological or oxidative stress response when infected breeding birds must invest additional nutrients to suppress the activities of infections during breeding. We aimed to investigate how adult male breeding and non-breeding village weavers ( Ploceus cucullatus ) body condition, corticosterone (CORT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) varied with microfilariae-infections during breeding period. Body condition was measured as body mass corrected for the size of adult male breeding and non-breeding birds during their breeding period. About 106 adult male village weavers were trapped at breeding, and our results suggests more 56% (33 out of 59) breeding birds were found to be infected, while 44% (26 out of 59) were not infected. In a general linear model (GLM), body mass correlated ( P < 0.05) to microfilariae infection status and the interaction between infection and body size. Whereas, SOD only correlated to the infections status, and CORT concentration correlated with the breeding status of the birds during the breeding season. Based on the direction of relationship, CORT concentration was significantly higher in the breeding adult male birds during breeding, while microfilariae caused a reduction in body mass and a rise in SOD activity of the infected birds. Suggesting a poor body condition in the infected birds, and a stress-mediated antioxidant defense response that may have a long-term future implication in the breeding village weavers.

Metagenomic investigations of the gut microbiota of northern and southern Nigerian Village Weaver (Ploceus cucullatus) populations revealed zoonotic pathogens of public health importance

Human-wildlife conflicts pose a growing threat to biodiversity, particularly when the targeted species plays an ecological keystone role. Mauritius has repeatedly mass-culled an endemic and threatened flying fox species (the Mauritian flying fox; Pteropus niger) failing the intended objectives of crop protection and elevating the species' extinction risks. In this context, the ecology of this species should be better understood to develop non-lethal management strategies. Here we investigated foraging patterns of vertebrate frugivores over 24 hour cycles in lychee orchards and backyard gardens. We assessed all agents of damage (mainly flying fox, alien bird, alien mammal) and the temporal variation of flying fox and bird foraging (take and amount eaten relative to fruit ripeness) on lychee trees. The most important frugivores foraging on lychees were flying foxes (78.3%) and birds (16.1%), namely ring-necked parakeets (Alexandrinus krameri), red-whiskered bulbuls (Pycnonotus jocosus), village weavers (Ploceus cucullatus) and common mynas (Acridotheres tristis) while damage by alien mammals was negligible (<1%). Flying foxes consumed more fruits in the early night (59%) compared to the late night and this was statistically significant in one orchard and backyards. However, the difference in damage was on average one to three fruits per tree per night. Bird damage at both orchards was highest during the first half of the day (64%). Flying foxes ate fewer fruits towards the end of the fruiting season while birds followed the opposite trend. As fruit ripeness increased from unripe to fully ripe, flying foxes ate 39-42% more lychee pulp per fruit at the two orchards. Parakeets ate 7% more fruit pulp with increasing ripeness at one orchard only. Deliberate disturbances involving smoke, noise or light to deter flying foxes were common in orchards. The weak difference in the extent of flying fox damage to fruits between early and late night suggested at best minor advantages of concentrating deliberate disturbances in early night, and that netting would be a better strategy as it would also protect against diurnal frugivores. Additionally, trees should be protected from the sixth week after fruit set as most damage occurred when fruits were unripe. Such an improved timing of crop protection should play an important role in reducing fruit losses and thereby alleviate the human-wildlife conflict around the flying fox's diet.

The first sighting of the African Weaver (Ploceus cucullatus) is reported in the department of La Guajira, northern Colombia. Field inspections conducted between September 3rd and 5th, 2023. Over 60 individuals and active nests were observed. Species identification was based on the analysis of diagnostic plumage coloration characters. The introduction of exotic species such as the African Weaver into natural ecosystems can have negative consequences for resident birds, as its invasive potential could generate significant competition with native species and cause damage to crops.

Breeding and moulting related changes in biomarkers of filarial infected (adult female village weaver, Ploceus cucullatus) birds of Amurum Forest Reserve, Nigeria

Rice devastating birds are responsible for many losses in rice fields around the world. In Cote d'Ivoire, data on birds in inland are almost non-existent. A study on these birds was carried out from November to December 2019 in three rice fields (Zepreguhe, Abattoir and Kennedy) in the town of Daloa and its outskirts. The study aimed to know the population of those birds in this area. The main method used was the fixed-point, time-dependent counts or point-in-time abundance index (PIA) method. It was possible to count 2368 individuals of 41 species belonging to 14 families of eight orders. The Shannon-Wiever diversity (H'); equitability (E); dominance (IDO) and IPA indices of rice devastating birds in this zone are 3.03, 0.82, 24.79 and 135 respectively. The best-represented family is the Ploceidae with 12 species and 882 individuals. The Village Weaver Ploceus cucullatus and the Northern Grey-headed Sparrow Passer griseus represent the two most abundant species with numbers of 368 and 219 individuals respectively. Of the three study sites, the Zepreguhe site is the most important in terms of specific richness (38 species), relative abundance (37.54%) and PIA (PIA = 155). Further studies are planned to monitor the diversity and population dynamics of these birds over the long term and to determine the extent of their impact on rice production in this area.

Assessment of biometrics and stress indicators of the adult Village Weaver birds (Ploceus cucullatus) during breeding and post-breeding seasons in Jos, Nigeria

Abstract The village weaver (Ploceus cucullatus) is a common colonial nesting bird widespread throughout Sub-Saharan Africa. It is known to weave its nests from leaf strips from a variety of tree species (mainly coconuts trees, oil palm trees) associated with human settlement areas, grasses, and other available plants. In this regard, this bird was considered a pest for its impact on different economic activities. Although extensive literature is already available on the parasitic role of village weavers, there is still a lack of analytical data that outlines which tree species are used for nesting and in what proportion, as well as the related implications in terms of economic impacts. Here, we carried out the first comprehensive arrangement of trees used by this species for nesting in Southern Nigeria (West Africa), checking for possible different impacts on stakeholders. In April 2021, we searched for village weaver nesting in 95 sites in 77 communities from 24 local government areas in Southern Nigeria, during 14 field surveys. Within each site, we collected GPS coordinates and counted the number of active nests, nesting birds and occupied trees. We recorded a total of 5,776 nests and 2,140 birds in 94 plants belonging to 23 tree species selected for nesting. Oil palm (Elaeis guineensis; n = 45) was the most used tree species, as 2,990 (51.77%) nests and 873 (40.79%) birds were recorded. Our results indicate the preference for nesting on trees used by stakeholders belonging to agricultural (palm farmers), touristic (operators) and energy (gas flare stations) sectors with economic implications about the conflict with this pest species.

Aims: This study was conducted to identify seed-eating birds and their dynamics in four rice-growing lowlands.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: Nana, Petit Bouaké, Subiakro and Zatta rice-growing lowlands in the Yamoussoukro district (Central Côte d’Ivoire) from May 2021 to April 2022.&#x0D; Methodology: Seed-eating birds were surveyed using the line transect method between 6.30 am and 6.30 pm. At each site, four surveys were carried out per month.&#x0D; Results: In total, 22 species of seed-eating birds belonging to six families and three orders were inventoried in the rice-growing lowlands of the Yamoussoukro district. Among them, Village weaver Ploceus cucullatus, Red-headed Quelea Quelea erythrops and Bronze Mannikin Spermestes cucullata were the predominant species. Five other species, Red-eyed Dove Streptopelia semitorquata, Magpie Mannikin Spermestes fringilloides, Northern Grey-headed Sparrow Passer griseus, Yellow-mantled Widowbird Euplectes macroura and Black-winged Bishop Euplectes hordeaceus were regular in these lowland rice fields. Numbers of these seed-eating birds were highest at the Subiakro site and at the spike development and maturation of the rice. In addition, their numbers were highest between March and October and lowest between November and February.&#x0D; Conclusion: This study indicates that eight seed-eating birds are likely to cause significant damage to rice crops, but their pressure could be reduced by planning harvests between November and February.

This study aimed to assess the incidence of birds raiding rice fields in the Kpong Irrigation Dam area of Ghana. Structured questionnaires were used to interview rice farmers in order to identify the bird species involved, quantify the economic losses incurred, and determine the mitigation measures employed by farmers. The main bird species identified as actively raiding rice fields were Ploceus cucullatus, Ploceus nigerrimus, Spermestes cucullatus, Spermestes bicolor, Quelea erythrops, and Dendrocygna viduata. The economic loss associated with bird raiding was estimated to range from 1,000.00 GHC (124.61 USD) to 1,500.00 GHC (186.92 USD), considering an exchange rate of 8.06 GHC to 1.00 USD at the time of the study. Additionally, farmers incurred 20.00 GHC in daily overhead labour costs to prevent bird raiding. Bird raiding on rice fields not only caused substantial economic losses but also had unintended social consequences. These included increased students’ absence from school and farmers' inability to attend and participate in family, community, and other social gatherings. The study highlights the need for practical and efficient methods to mitigate the effects of bird raiding. Given the significant economic and social impacts, it is crucial to develop strategies that effectively reduce bird raiding in rice fields.

Wild birds have been reported to be reservoirs of viral diseases of poultry, and play an epidemiological role in their maintenance and spread. A serological survey was undertaken to determine the evidence of Newcastle disease virus (NDV) antibodies in wild birds in Zaria Kaduna State, Nigeria. A total of 150 apparently healthy wild birds comprising 30 each laughing dove, speckled pigeons, cattle egrets, village weavers and African silver bills were sampled. Sera collected were analysed for the presence of antibodies against NDV and avian paramyxovirus‑2 (APMV‑2) using the haemagglutination inhibition test. The results showed an overall seroprevalence of 4% (95% CI: 2.05‑10.1) to NDV. African silver bill showed a seroprevalence of 10.0% (95% CI: 2.61‑24.9) NDV antibodies while seroprevalence of 3.3% (95% CI: 0.16‑15.4) was recorded for cattle egrets, village weavers and laughing doves respectively. No statistically significant difference existed for NDV seroprevalence (P>0.05) among the different species of wild birds. All the 150 sera tested negative for APMV‑2 antibodies. The result of this study confirmed the exposure of wild birds to NDV in the study area. Continuous surveillance with isolation and characterization of NDV in the wild birds is therefore recommended for strategic planning for control.

Omnivores utilize dietary sources which differ in nutrients, hence dietary limitations due to environmental change or habitat alteration could cause nutrient limitations, and thus deterioration of body condition if omnivory is obligate. We investigated how the body condition of the omnivorous Village weaver Ploceus cucullatus (weavers), which forages predominantly on grains, responds to the supplementation of its grain diet with insects instead of fruits. Forty wild-caught weavers held in aviaries were fed a combination of grains and fruits, or grains and insects ad libitum for 8 weeks. We determined diet preference by recording the number of birds on each diet option per minute for 1 h and the amount of food left-over after 3 h of foraging. Fortnightly, we assessed indices of body condition including body mass, pectoral muscle, and fat scores, packed cell volume (PCV), and hemoglobin concentration (HBC). We modeled the number of foragers, food left-over, and body condition indices as functions of diet, while accounting for time (weeks) and sex effects. Grains were the preferred diet, but males ate more fruits and insects than females. Weavers fed on grains and fruits lost body and pectoral muscle mass and accumulated less fat than those fed on grains and insects. This effect was sex-dependent: females supplemented with fruits lost more pectoral muscle mass than males of the same group and males but not females, supplemented with insects accumulated more fat reserve than those supplemented with fruits. PCV and HBC did not differ between diets but increased over the 8 weeks. Weavers are likely obligate rather than facultative omnivores, with insects as being a more nutritive supplement than fruits. Nutrient limitation arising from environmental change or habitat alteration could impair body condition and affect physiological function to environmental seasonality in obligate omnivores like the weavers.

Injection-Site Sarcoma in Three Village Weaver Birds (Ploceus cucullatus) Associated with Autogenous Yersinia pseudotuberculosis Vaccination

Appraisal of avian species, especially in urban areas, is paramount to determining the health of the environment. The research focused on the abundance, diversity, and habitat association of avian species within and around the new bridge in Makurdi metropolis, Benue State, Nigeria. The habitats selected were: Abattoir (Ab), Oxbow Lake (Ol), and Farmland (Fl). A line transect length of 100 m was laid (1 at Ab, 2 each at Ol and Fl). The line transect method was used to identify and estimate the abundance and diversity of birds (at 06:00–09:00 hrs and 15:00–18:00 hrs) aided with binoculars for 2 consecutive days weekly in June–November 2021. The Textbook on Birds of West Africa was used for the identification of the species. The dataset was analyzed using descriptive statistics and diversity indices. The result revealed a total number of 23 species (4061 individuals) belonging to 15 families. Five species (41 individuals), 19 species (2,804 individuals), and 8 species (1,216 individuals) were recorded at Abattoir, Oxbowlake, and Farmland, respectively. Ploceus cucullatus (55.68%) was the most abundant species, while Accipitridae (12.5%) was the dominant family recorded. Variation in density varies across the habitat, with farmland (723.13) being the densest area. The diversity indices indicated that farmland (D: 0.668, H1: 1.571, and richness (2.267)) had a high value when compared to other habitats. Conservation and management of urban avian species should be encouraged to promote avi-tourism.

ABSTRACT Capsule We describe the effects of sex, daily rainfall and temperature, seasonality, and breeding stage on body mass variation in two species of weaver in a tropical African environment. Aims To investigate the effects of sex, weather conditions, seasonality, and breeding stage on body mass of the Village Weaver Ploceus cucullatus and Northern Red Bishop Euplectes franciscanus in Amurum Forest Reserve, Central Nigeria. Methods Biometric data were extracted from a Constant Effort Sites database of over 15 years and daily rainfall and temperature data were obtained from Jos Metrological Center. We used a general linear mixed model to determine the effects of sex, rainfall, temperature, and season on body mass variation of the two species within and across years, and differences in body mass of females of the two species within and across years with daily rainfall and temperature, and season during the different incubation stages. Results The body mass of males was higher than that of females in both species. Daily rainfall and mean temperature were negatively related to body mass in Village Weavers, while in Northern Red Bishops rainfall was positively related to body mass. In both species, female body mass varied according to brood patch status: female Village Weavers were heavier during the egg-laying stage compared to the non-breeding season; female Northern Red Bishops weighed more at incubation or brooding stages and less during the chick rearing stage when compared to the non-breeding season. The body mass of females did not correlate with daily rainfall and temperature, or season. Conclusions Our results showed the effect of sex on body mass in both species of weaver. The variation in body mass of these species during breeding, and with local weather conditions, suggests how the species manage body mass within a tropical African environment.

Foraging of wild birds on city waste dumps is one of the most popular forms of human–wildlife interactions in the world. The extensive bird-habitat destruction for urban development has restricted wild-bird feeding to city waste-dumps in most communities in Cameroon. The objective of this study was to examine the importance of waste-dump ecology on wild-bird feeding. The research area was divided into four zones, north, south, east, and west for an effective data collection program. More so, 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 the activities of all the bird species observed were recorded during the period. Additionally, the ecological conditions like the weather changes, photo-period, weight estimate of dumps, proximity of dump to residential homes, major dump materials were recorded simultaneously. The results of the study has shown a positive significant correlation on bird species and dump location r = 0.756, P = 0.000. The study observed a dominant population of Ploceus luteolus 31% and Ploceus cucullatus 31%, compared to Corvus albus 17%, Lonchura fringilloide s 17%, and Pycnonotus barbatus 4% on dumpsites. There was a significance between dump location and proximity to buildings X 2 = 277.057 df=9, P=0.000. The western flank location was richer in waste fragments 31% compared to northern 25%, southern 22% and western flanks 22% respectively. A positive significant correlation was recorded on foraging intensity and bird species X 2 = 26.768 df=8, P=0.001. There was a significance on weather changes and bird-foraging intensity X 2 = 10.221 df=6, P&lt;0.05. The sunny weather received the highest foraging activity engagement 52%, compared to wind 24%, cloud 19%, and rain 5% respectively. A positive significance was also witnessed between weather changes and bird-foraging intensity X 2 = 10.221 df=6, P&lt;0.05. Weather conditions such as heavy rainfall have played a significant role in reducing or halting the foraging activity of wildlife. Waste-dump ecosystem many cities has immensely contributed to the foraging of birds and their population increase. The foraging on available food fragments on waste-dumps has long been a relief strategies in the population increase of wild-city birds. University of Yaoundé II is rich in food subsidies for wild-bird feeding, a situation that has increased the population of wild birds in the university campus. Keywords: Foraging, Wild-birds, Waste-dumps, Atmospheric changes, University campus DOI: 10.7176/ALST/94-03 Publication date: August 31 st 2022

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&lt;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

BackgroundIn spite of efforts to control avian influenza (AI) and Newcastle disease (ND) over decades, circulation of the viral causative agents among domestic and feral birds is considered implicated factors for the intermittent outbreaks of AI and ND among domesticated birds as well as commercial poultry flocks in Nigeria. In this study, sera from domestic (Japanese quails) and peri-domestic birds including laughing dove and village weavers were screened for antibodies to low pathogenic AI virus (LPAIV) and ND virus (NDV).MethodsA competitive ELISA was used to detect anti-AI virus antibodies in the sera of 101 unvaccinated Japanese quails, 30 village weavers and one laughing dove caught for human consumption in Oyo and Osun states, Nigeria. Hemagglutination-inhibiting (HI) antibodies against LPAIV were then detected in the ELISA-positive sera using H3N8, H5N2 and H9N7 subtype-specific antigens. Also, antibodies to NDV were detected and quantified in the sera using HI test.ResultsSeroprevalence of NDV antibodies from tested quail sera was 12.9% (13/101), while AI was 18.8% (19/101) with detection of anti-LPAIV H3N8, H5N2 and H9N7 antibodies. The laughing dove serum was positive for NDV and anti-LPAIV H9N7 antibodies while all sera from village weavers had no detectable LPAIV antibodies, but 26.7% (8/30) were positive for NDV antibodies.ConclusionsThis study provides serologic evidence of infection with LPAIV H3N8, H5N2 and H9N7 as well as Newcastle disease in domestic and peri-domestic birds in southwest Nigeria and highlights the potential role of these birds in the epidemiology of AI and ND.