Presence Of Birds Research Articles

Incidência de linfadenite granulomatosa suína no ano de 2023 em frigorífico localizado no Triângulo Mineiro, Minas Gerais

Despite the increase in pig production in Brazil, challenges such as the spread of diseases in pig populations and public health concerns, e.g. the transmission of viruses and bacteria, require constant vigilance during the slaughter of these animals. In this context, granulomatous lymphadenitis (GL) in pigs is a subclinical disease caused mainly by non-tuberculous mycobacteria, with Mycobacterium avium hominissuis being the most prevalent in pigs and humans. The detection of infected animals occurs during slaughter, resulting in losses due to the disposal of viscera and carcasses. This study aimed to report the incidence of GL in a slaughterhouse located in the city of Uberlândia, Minas Gerais (Brazil), during the year 2023. More than one million slaughtered animals were evaluated, more than 100 thousand of which showed non-compliance, resulting in 596 cases of GL identified. The data suggest a low incidence of GL in the Triângulo Mineiro region, attributed to advances in disinfection practices and widespread knowledge about the disease. Furthermore, a seasonal pattern was observed in the occurrence of GL, with higher incidences in the coldest months of the year. Factors such as lack of hygiene in facilities, inadequate food supply and the presence of birds can contribute to the spread of the disease. It is concluded that despite the low occurrence in the studied region, GL continues to be a concern due to its economic impact and the need for constant surveillance and improvements in management and hygiene practices.

Cellular network measurements can unravel spatiotemporal properties of bird movement to enhance basic and applied knowledge globally

Abstract A major problem in studying bird movement in many countries is data scarcity, precluding information about the spatial and temporal properties of avian distribution and dynamics as well as their consequences for human lives. We address this problem by proposing an innovative approach based on the relation between counts of signal attenuation of wireless communication to the presence of birds across or near wireless links of cellular backhaul networks. Wireless point-to-point communication links, on either ground level or earth-satellite links, cover the globe. We statistically relate between signal attenuation in terrestrial Commercial Microwave Links (CMLs) and bird migration. Because modern communication systems measure and often log signal levels routinely, we propose using existing signal level measurements of cellular and other wireless communication systems around the world as sensors for monitoring of bird movement. Using actual measurements from operational CMLs, we show that the daily cycle of signal attenuation during bird migration periods matched that of waterbird migration traffic rate recorded by nearby bird radar. This demonstrates the potential of the proposed method for opportunistic bird movement monitoring by CMLs across the globe, with no additional hardware installation, maintenance or communication costs.

Investigating the extent that different recreational users of urban wetlands value birds and bird habitat

This study focused on visitors undertaking recreational activities at two important wetland conservation reserves with two main aims: to understand if visitors recognize the significant role of wetlands as vital bird habitat, and to understand the importance of birds as part of the visitor experience. We surveyed 511 visitors at two internationally significant urban wetlands in Perth, Western Australia. Results indicated that respondents valued wetland areas for exercising, aesthetic values, utility of infrastructure and general amenity, as well as the presence of birds. Some respondents perceived that the wetlands were important for birds and the presence of birds was generally rated highly. Results further indicated that while birds were generally not the focus of visitor experience, birds were an important component of that experience. We conclude that most visitors will generally support management actions aimed at conserving the wetlands and birdlife, and management actions do not need to consider a range of differing views across different recreational activities. Thus, understanding the extent that different recreational users of urban wetlands value birds and bird habitat provides vital insights into management approaches for conservation.

Keanekaragaman dan Status Konservasi Burung di Kawasan Gili Meno, Lombok Utara

The presence of birds in Gili Meno has a positive impact on environmental aspects as birds serve as bioindicators of environmental quality, pest controllers, and aid in pollination processes. Based on research conducted in 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2015, there has been an increase in bird populations in the Gili Meno area, particularly birds from the Ardeidae family. With rapid development currently underway, it is suspected to affect the presence of birds in Gili Meno, necessitating monitoring of bird diversity and conservation status in the area. This study aims to assess the diversity and conservation status of birds in the Gili Meno area. The research was conducted on Gili Meno from May to June 2022. Data collection utilized snowball sampling for interviews and transect methods combined with point counts. Observational data were analyzed using the Shannon-Wiener diversity index. The results indicate a total of 29 bird species found in the Gili Meno area, belonging to 22 families, with a diversity index of 2.8. The conservation status of most birds (97%) in the Gili Meno area is categorized as "least concern" according to IUCN criteria and classified as "unprotected" species under P.106/MENLHK/Setjen/Kum.1/12/2018. Acridotheres javanicus is listed as vulnerable by IUCN, while Thallaseus bergii is protected under P.106/MENLHK/Setjen/Kum.1/12/2018.

Avifaunal diversity of Moharli Lake, near Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve, Chandrapur (Maharashtra)

Lakes and their basins are major repositories of biodiversity. Monitoring the basin and their respective water bodies requires an assessment of avifaunal diversity, as birds are a health indicator of the ecosystem. The present investigation focused on the avifauna diversity of Moharli Lake and its environs. Moharli Lake is located a short distance from the Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR) in the Chandrapur district of Maharashtra. Serving as one of the primary entrances to TATR, the Moharli gate overlooks this perennial freshwater lake. Abundant in nutrients, the lake supports a diverse avian population, including migratory bird species. The lake and its environs were surveyed nightly throughout the study duration, spanning from June 2014 to April 2015. The birds were classified into five distinct groups based on their habitat. A total of 81 species, representing 67 genera across 31 families within 13 orders, were documented and classified according to their status and occurrence, including migratory species. The presence of birds was meticulously documented alongside their dietary inclinations and feeding behaviors. The diverse bird community within the study area indicates a conducive habitat for both breeding and sustenance. A comprehensive analysis of avifaunal diversity in this region will aid in formulating conservation strategies for the future.

Restored Wetland Size and Age Influence Small Mammal Communities in West Virginia, USA

Small mammals are important, albeit often overlooked, fauna in wetland restoration projects. However, it is essential to evaluate factors that influence small mammal community metrics in restored wetlands to maximize wetland restoration effectiveness. Previous studies found that vegetation differed as restored wetlands aged and that wetland age may play a role in the presence of amphibians and birds. Therefore, we assessed whether wetland age influenced small mammals. We also evaluated 17 environmental factors in restored wetlands that could influence small mammal communities in these wetlands. To assess and evaluate the effects of age and environmental factors on the small mammal community, we appraised 14 restored wetlands in West Virginia, USA, in the summers of 2020 and 2021 for small mammal community metrics, specifically relative abundance, diversity, richness, and evenness. We captured six species of small mammals: deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus), white-footed mice (Peromyscus leucopus), meadow voles (Microtus pennsylvanicus), meadow jumping mice (Zapus hudsonius), northern short-tailed shrews (Blarina brevicauda), and eastern chipmunks (Tamias striatus). We found that the relative abundance of deer mice, white-footed mice, and meadow voles decreased with wetland age. However, both species diversity and evenness increased with wetland age. Wetland size influenced the relative abundance of white-footed mice, meadow jumping mice, and all small mammals combined. Although the relative abundance of white-footed mice and total small mammals decreased with wetland size, the relative abundance of meadow jumping mice increased with wetland size. Wetland managers should consider wetland age and size when designing wetlands to facilitate small mammal communities.

What evidence exists on birds and mammals' biodiversity in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest (BAF) agricultural ecosystems? A systematic map protocol

BackgroundBrazil has one of the planet's greatest biodiversity, with over 20% of the world’s total species. The Brazilian Atlantic Forest (BAF) spans 17 Brazilian states, making it the third-largest biome in Brazil. The BAF is composed of a range of ecological formations, with climatic conditions and landscape diversity that directly contribute to the different structures of the forest. The fragmentation of the original habitats, mainly due to anthropogenic activities, is one of the main causes of biodiversity loss, causing the decline and habitat loss for several species, including birds and mammals. While there has been extensive research on species diversity in forest fragments or protected areas, there is a lack of basic research in agricultural ecosystems. Only 1.5% of the studies on bird occurrence data in the BAF were reported from pasture habitats and 1.4% from exotic tree plantations. To address this gap, the present systematic map protocol aims to carry out a bibliographic survey on the presence of birds and mammals in agricultural landscapes and its adjacent areas of natural vegetation to describe the prevalence of species across different (semi-)natural and anthropogenic habitat types. Collecting this data is important to support environmental management policies to preserve biodiversity in these areas.MethodsWe will conduct a systematic literature review on the biodiversity of birds and mammals in agricultural landscapes within the Brazilian Atlantic Forest as well as adjacent areas of natural vegetation. Our search will cover the following databases, without limiting the year of publication: Web of Knowledge, Scopus, and PubMed. We will also include grey literature such as dissertations and theses, performing the search at the “Biblioteca Digital Brasileira” database. The results will be screened for relevance based on predefined criteria. The screening process will take place in two stages: firstly, the articles will be screened by title and abstract, and then the eligible articles will be screened in full text. Only articles that meet the eligibility criteria will proceed to data extraction. The extracted data will provide the elements to build a systematic map.

Spatiotemporal Patterns and Risk Factors for Newcastle Disease Virus among Chickens in a Tanzania Live Bird Market

Village poultry plays a vital role in providing essential nutrition and income for rural communities in Africa. In this context, poultry are often traded through live bird markets (LBMs), which serve as central trading hubs where producers connect with traders and consumers, facilitating the flow of poultry products along the value chain. While they serve as important trading hubs, these markets create an environment where avian pathogens, like Newcastle disease virus (NDV) and avian influenza virus, can easily emerge and spread. Improving our understanding of the epidemiology of NDV in LBMs is important for assessing disease risks and identifying factors that contribute to its persistence. Local chickens at the Mawenzi LBM in Morogoro municipality were surveyed for NDV presence, its temporal and spatial distribution, and risk factors for NDV infection. Twenty-three percent of 659 local chickens sampled over a 1-year period were positive for NDV based on PCR. Increased odds of NDV infection were identified in chickens that had been in the market for 2 or more days prior to sampling and during the period extending from August through October. Four significant spatiotemporal clusters of NDV-positive chickens encompassing 13 villages were detected between August and October 2020, illustrating geographic hotspots of infection when NDV was most prevalent. Similar to the other LBMs, this market had enclosures with high densities of birds of mixed species, limited biosecurity, and the presence of birds with observable illness. Bird traders who source the chickens from the villages, described long transit times in mixed enclosures with limited sanitation practices and without consideration of sick birds or vaccination status prior to arriving at the LBM. This study highlights the need to invest in improvements to infrastructure and biosecurity for LBMs as well as training opportunities for increasing traders’ knowledge on hygiene and sanitation practices, animal welfare, and poultry biosecurity measures.

IOT Rancang Bangun Alat Pengusir Hama Burung pada Padi Sawah Petani Berbasis Internet of Things (IoT)

This research aims to develop an effective and efficient bird pest repellent tool in farmers' rice fields by utilizing Internet of Things (IoT) technology. Bird pests often pose a serious threat to agricultural products, especially in rice fields. Through the application of IoT, this tool can monitor real-time bird activity around agricultural areas and take appropriate preventive measures. This tool is designed to utilize motion sensors or pir sensors, surveillance cameras, and a sound or visual signal delivery system to chase away birds. approaching agricultural areas. PIR sensors are widely used in a variety of applications, including home security systems, motion sensor lighting, and building automation. The main advantages of PIR sensors are their low power consumption and ability to provide fast response to movement, making them an efficient and effective choice for many detection applications. motion, data collected from sensors and cameras will be sent to the IoT platform with the Telegram application and which is connected via an internet connection, allowing farmers to monitor and control tools remotely via smart devices such as smartphones or computers. The main advantage of this tool is its ability to provide a quick response to the presence of bird pests, reduce agricultural yield losses and increase crop productivity. Additionally, integration with IoT provides high flexibility and connectivity, enabling continuous system optimization. designing this tool involves the hardware and software design stages. The hardware consists of a pir sensor, an esp 32 cam microcontroller, and a speaker and servo. While the software consists of Arduino Ide, Blynk and Telegram. After design, the tool is field tested for performance. Test results show that this tool is able to detect the presence of birds with good accuracy, provides a fast response in chasing them away, Telegram is able to communicate by giving commands and receiving images, Blynk can provide information on the condition of the tool when it is online and give commands to activate the servo, sound or both of them. With a significant removal success rate, this tool is successful in reducing losses caused by bird strikes in agriculture. Additionally, it has low power consumption and can be integrated with existing IoT platforms for remote monitoring and data analysis. It is hoped that this research can make a positive contribution to efforts to develop sustainable agricultural technology and improve farmers' welfare by protecting agricultural products from bird pest attacks. Thus, it is hoped that the implementation of this tool in the field can provide an innovative and efficient solution in controlling bird pests in farmers' rice fields.

Attacks of munia bird (Lonchura spp.) on rice crops and control carried out by farmers in Tigo Nagari, Pasaman, West Sumatra, Indonesia

The cultivation of rice crop could not be separated from the disturbance caused by plant pests, one of which is munia bird (Lonchura spp.) which eat grain. The objective of this research is to observe the types of munia bird and its population level, as well as the farmers' perceptions to the presence of munia birds, and the control methods that farmers apply. This research was conducted in the Tigo Nagari Sub-district, Pasaman District, West Sumatra Province, Indonesia to calculate the population and intensity of munia birds’ attacks through field observations. In addition, find out farmers' perceptions about the attack of bird, losses, and its control technique, through interview method. The intensity of attack was calculated based on the grain damage scoring. Results showed that there were two species of munia birds that dominate in field, namely white-headed munia (Lonchura maja) (397 heads) and scally-breasted munia (L. punctulata) (172 heads). The average intensity of the munia bird attack was 15.39%, the maximum reached 22.05%, and could reach losses up to one million rupiah per hectare. The presence of bird was influenced by the density of vegetation around the land. The higher number of bird presence, the higher damage intensity it caused. Control technique carried out by farmers using a net to cover crop and tying plastic to rope, then it can be pulled and cause noise and shock to bird, moreover farmers’ screaming to keep birds away.

Enhancing Rice Yield in Paddy Fields Through Beneficial Organisms

In recent years, the global food-insecure population has increase. To improve food production while safeguarding the environment, ecological intensification techniques have become crucial. Considering rice's significance in feeding half the world, here we focused on the role of weeds, birds, and dragonflies, organisms that naturally occur in crop fields, in a paddy field in Brazil. We observed no significant differences in rice production between areas with or without a second weeding. However, access restriction experiments revealed that the presence of birds and dragonflies led to a remarkable 37% increase in rice yield, equivalent to approximately 71.6 additional bags per hectare. Results reinforce that promoting biodiversity-friendly practices in agriculture is essential for sustainable farming and aligns with global biodiversity initiatives, including COP 15, the 43rd Conference of FAO, and the Sustainable Rice Platform's Standard for Sustainable Rice Cultivation. Emphasizing these practices will not only enhance food production but also contribute to a healthier environment for generations to come.

Sightings of Bryde's whale, Balaenoptera edeni, off the Pacific coast of Nicaragua

Abstract Here, we report the first sighting records of Bryde's whales in Nicaragua. Four sightings were made in 2022 during boat-based surveys off the southwestern coast of Nicaragua. Photo-identification, distributional data, dive times, and behavioural information were collected, and environmental parameters, including sea surface temperature, were measured for each sighting. Sightings included calf and non-calf groups displaying travelling (n = 1; 25%), milling (n = 1; 25%), and suspected feeding (n = 2; 50%) behaviours. Approximately 4 h of focal following allowed the calculation of short and long breath intervals. Based on our observations, the individuals were suspected of feeding in the area, based on the presence of feeding birds, feeding humpback whales, relatively high time-lagged chlorophyll-a, and observed general behaviours. Our findings indicate that this species may occasionally visit Nicaraguan coastal areas in search of feeding opportunities, and could represent a possible range extension of the Eastern North Pacific stock.

Palaeoparasitology confirms Early Lapita evidence of pig and dog at Kamgot, Bismarck Archipelago.

Little is known about helminth parasites of the Bismarck Archipelago, in either archaeological or modern contexts. This study presents a parasitological analysis of soil samples from Early Lapita habitation layers at Kamgot (3300-3000 BP). Evidence for the presence of pigs and dogs and the timing of their arrival in Early Lapita contexts have been contested in the literature. The finding of parasite eggs in samples from Kamgot supports the presence of pigs and dogs at the site. Six types of helminth eggs were identified: pig nematode Trichuris suis, dog nematode Toxocara canis, and cestode Dipylidium caninum, as well as two unknown trematodes and a possible anoplocephalid cestode, thereby indicating the local presence of other mammals or birds. This study represents the first confirmed record of ancient helminth parasites in tropical Oceania.

Cavity-nesting birds in the forest patch around urban areas: A case study in Bogor, Indonesia

Cavity-nesting birds lay eggs and raise chicks within their nest inside the cavities. The existence of cavity-nesting birds in nature has important ecological roles. This study aimed to identify and analyze cavity-nesting bird species in the tropical lowland forest patches, particularly in Bogor, West Java Province, Indonesia. The study was conducted in the forested area within the Dramaga Experimental Forest and the Dramaga Campus of IPB University. The cavity-nesting bird species were observed during September – December 2020 and September – December 2021. Each cavity-nesters observed was classified based on how to make and utilize the nesting site (i.e., primary excavator, facultative excavator, non-excavator) and their nest locations (i.e., nesting in the trees or other locations). We observed 12 cavity-nesters in the study area, consisting of 4 primary excavators, 2 facultative excavators, 3 non-excavators in the trees, and 3 non-excavators in the riverbanks. Cavity-nesting bird richness in the Dramaga Campus (12 species) was higher than in the Dramaga Experimental Forest (9 species). This study revealed that the two study areas still provide suitable habitats for cavity-nesting birds. Therefore, it is essential to maintain the presence of cavity-nesting birds and their habitat by initiating conservation efforts, such as habitat management, strengthening conservation actions and policies, and increasing public awareness.

Identifying how restoration measures influence the presence of shorebirds: a case study on the use of artificial structures for restoring mussel reefs

Artificial structures are often used as a tool for habitat restoration and the recreation of degraded coastal ecosystems and their associated food webs. However, it is often unknown if and how these artificial structures may influence the habitat use of target species, thereby hampering restoration goals. In this study, we test how artificial barriers, deployed to enhance the creation of an intertidal mussel bed, influenced the mussel‐habitat use by two bird species under pressure, Eurasian oystercatchers and Eurasian curlews. Average bird presence was monitored using time‐lapse camera's from the start of the mussel bed restoration in August 2018 until April 2019. We found that in the first few months of the experiment, both oystercatchers and curlews avoided the restored mussel beds containing artificial structures in the form of metal barriers that act as traps for dislodged mussels. Thereafter, the presence of barriers had no negative influence on the average presence of oystercatchers or curlews. In fact, curlews were significantly attracted to the mussel beds with barriers in January and February. In addition, we found a negative effect of the presence of European herring gulls on the presence of oystercatchers and curlews. The higher herring gull densities in the first 2 months of the experiment might explain the lower‐than‐expected curlew and oystercatcher densities observed in August. To our knowledge, no other studies have investigated the effect of artificial restoration structures on the abundance or habitat use of specific shorebirds.

Birds Diversity Mapping using Quantum GIS For Ecotourism in The Mangrove Forest of Kuala Bubon, West Aceh

The discourse on developing Kuala Bubon mangrove forest area in West Aceh as an ecotourism location has received a lot of sympathy and support among the community, considering that this forest has a high level of diversity of flora and fauna, one of which is bird species. In several ecotourism locations, birds attract tourists by enjoying various entertainment related to birds, such as bird watching, tours of bird habitats, and observing birds in the wild. The research was carried out in the Kuala Bubon mangrove forest, West Aceh, in September 2023. This research used a quantitative approach, calculating the level of diversity and mapping distribution based on bird location coordinates. The data collection method uses the point count and line transect method. Analysis of bird species diversity data using the Shannon-Wienner Diversity Index (H') formula was then carried out by mapping the coordinates of bird presence using the Quantum Gis software. The research results obtained 37 bird species from 22 families with a diversity index of 3.07 (high diversity), two species with the status of Near Threatened (Aegithina Viridissima) and Vulnerable Under (Acridotheres javanicus). Mapping bird species diversity with Quantum Gis provides opportunities for developing bird ecotourism, such as planning optimal bird-watching routes after knowing the distribution of bird species.

Diagnosis of Environmental Degradation in the Controlled Landfill Area of New Venetia – ES

Objective: One of the main environmental problems of today's society concerns the final disposal of urban solid waste (MSW), and increasing the generation rates of this waste has become a high priority concern for both environmental preservation and human health. Inadequate final disposal leads to serious environmental impacts, including the risks of contamination of soil, subsoil, surface water and groundwater, even after decommissioning of inappropriate sites. The purpose of this research was to assess the level of degradation in the area around the Controlled Landfill of New Venetia. To do so, documentary, oral and bibliographical research was carried out on the area, technical visits, drawing up maps, applying the Quality Index of Waste Landfills (IQR) with adaptations directed to the reality of the landfill and finally, bacteriological analyzes of surface and underground water were carried out in the surroundings of the area. The application of the IQR resulted in a score of 5.15 and the non-existent or deficient aspects that caused this score were: soil waterproofing, plant protection, drainage and treatment of slurry, drainage of rainwater and gases, geotechnical and groundwater monitoring, presence of flies, birds and animals, occurrence of odors and proximity of bodies of water. The results of the bacteriological analyzes indicated a potential for microbiological contamination in the surface water resource downstream of the landfill, which may be linked to extensive livestock rearing, but may also indicate that the slurry contamination plume is influencing the water quality of the analyzed stream. Evaluate the level of degradation in the area around the Controlled New Veneto Landfill. Theoretical benchmark: The inadequate final layout of MSW results in severe environmental impacts, including the risks of contamination of soil, subsoil, surface water and groundwater, even after decommissioning of inappropriate sites. Furthermore, this inadequate destination generates visual pollution, property devaluation in the environs, the presence of precariously organized waste pickers, and promotes the favoring of disease vectors. Method: The methodology encompassed bibliographical review of the area in question, as well as of the concepts associated with the themes necessary for the research; obtaining data and making maps; characterization of the area; determination of the Quality Index of Waste Landfills (IQR) and bacteriological analysis of ground and surface water. Results and conclusion: The application of the IQR, by means of historical and current characterization and evaluation of the controlled landfill of New Venetia, resulted in a score of 5.15 classifying this in inappropriate conditions. The results of the bacteriological analyzes indicated a potential for microbiological contamination in the surface water resource downstream of the landfill, which may be linked to extensive livestock rearing, but may also indicate that the slurry contamination plume is influencing the water quality of the analyzed stream. Research implications: The results of this research should serve as a basis for reflections and analysis on aspects necessary for the correct implementation of final destination systems of MSW, as well as for the deactivation and recovery of them. In addition, it also supports the study of improvements that can be made in the area of the controlled landfill of New Venetia, to adapt and reduce the impacts and environmental risks of the area. Besides collaborating for the education and environmental awareness of the inhabitants of the municipality. Originality/value: To bring reflections from an analysis of multiple factors and consequences arising from the inadequate final destination of the MSW, emphasizing the importance and necessity of the study and characterization of these sites, administrative political actions and awareness of the population.

Limnology for the ornithologist: effects of Lake Maggiore water level on migratory flows

Wetlands are widely recognised as the most critical stop-over locations along migration flyways. Wetland ecology is mostly influenced by water levels and water regimes. This research focuses on Bolle di Magadino (Switzerland), an important stop-over site on Lake Maggiore, artificially regulated by a dam. In this work we examined how the artificial flooding of a wetland affects the use of this stop-over site by migrating passerines during spring. Bird presence in the area was evaluated using both data collected at the ringing station located in the wetlands and the bird traffic rate (BTR) supplied by the BirdScan MR1, an avian verticallooking radar (VLR) capable of automatically detecting and classifying birds in flight. In an attempt to shed light on the effect of lake level on stop-over quality, we i) simulated with GIS the extent of the flooded area and of the different habitat categories as the lake level changes; ii) calculated the relationship between lake level and the ability of stop-overing birds to acquire trophic resources; iii) verified that the flux of passerines below 500 m above ground level measured by radar could be used as a proxy for the number of stop-overing birds; iv) calculated the relationship between the number of birds leaving the stop-over and the lake level. While the number of ringed passerines has proven to be representative of the migratory flow below 500 meters of altitude at the site of interest, a high lake level seems to have a negative impact on the use by some species of the Bolle di Magadino area as a stop-over site during spring. In particular, two of the target species -the blackcap and the reed bunting- have proven to be sensitive to higher water levels. While taking into account the limitations and the relative nature of the results, could be necessary for the competent authorities to take these results into consideration in order to safeguard the Bolle di Magadino’s role as an important stop-over area during spring.

Assessment of Preference Behavior of Layer Hens under Different Light Colors and Temperature Environments in Long-Time Footage Using a Computer Vision System.

As for all birds, the behavior of chickens is largely determined by environmental conditions. In many production systems, light intensity is low and red feather strains have low contrast with the background, making it impossible to use conventional image segmentation techniques. On the other hand, studies of chicken behavior, even when using video camera resources, depend on human vision to extract the information of interest; and in this case, reduced samples are observed, due to the high cost of time and energy. Our work combined the use of advanced object detection techniques using YOLO v4 architecture to locate chickens in low-quality videos, and we automatically extracted information on the location of birds in more than 648 h of footage. We develop an automated system that allows the chickens to transition among three environments with different illuminations equipped with video cameras to monitor the presence of birds in each compartment, and we automatically count the number of birds in each compartment and determine their preference. Our chicken detection algorithm shows a mean average precision of 99.9%, and a manual inspection of the results showed an accuracy of 98.8%. Behavioral analysis results based on bird unrest index and permanence time indicate that chickens tend to prefer white light and disfavor green light, except in the presence of heat stress when no clear preference can be observed. This study demonstrates the potential of using computer vision techniques with low-resolution, low-cost cameras to monitor chickens in low-light conditions.

The observation of birds from a citizen science leisure project to systematic research

This article analyses historical data from observations made of birds in breeding season, throughout two routes with urban characteristics. The data were collected during a consecutive period of 10 years (2009-2018), following a precise methodology designed by the North American Breeding Bird Survey. The analyzed routes are officially registered in the Mexican Commission for Biodiversity’s Knowledge and Use, the United States Geological Survey Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, and the Canadian Wildlife Service Research Centre. The observations were made by citizens without formal professional education; hence the results may be considered within the framework of citizen science. Their contributions provided important data for decision-making regarding environmental issues, since the presence of birds is considered one of the main indicators of the health conditions of an ecosystem. Data analysis identified two basic conditions: (i) a reduction of the 23% in the number of species found, many of which disappeared during counting; and (ii) the significant increase in population of other species, including three species of pigeons. Apart from the study of variations in the numbers of bird species present in the routes with urban characteristics, the article acknowledges the lack of connection and use of this citizen science for decision-making and education regarding environmental issues. Therefore, we consider it crucial to create scientific observations that are available to both experts in the field and to the general population, which is the essence of citizen science.