Avian Diversity and Behavioral Adaptations in Anthropogenic Habitats: A Review of Ecological Dynamics in Dump Sites

Girraj Prasad Sharma and Ashok Kumar Siroya
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Girraj Prasad Sharma: Scholar, Department of Zoology, S.P.C. Govt. College, Ajmer (Rajasthan)
Ashok Kumar Siroya: Professor, Department of Zoology, S.P.C. Govt. College, Ajmer (Rajasthan)

International Journal of Research and Innovation in Applied Science, 2025, vol. 10, issue 6, 1215-1225

Abstract: This review synthesizes current knowledge on avian diversity and behavioral adaptations within anthropogenic habitats, focusing specifically on dump sites as novel ecological niches. Dump sites, characterized by abundant and predictable food resources, create unique environmental conditions that influence bird community composition and behavior. We examine patterns of species richness, guild structure, and the presence of both generalist and specialist avifauna, highlighting how food availability, habitat heterogeneity, and human disturbance shape these assemblages. Behavioral adaptations such as opportunistic foraging, altered movement ecology, social dynamics, and habituation to human presence are critically evaluated. Furthermore, we discuss the dual ecological roles of birds in dump sites, including their contributions to waste turnover and seed dispersal, alongside their potential as reservoirs of zoonotic pathogens and sources of human-wildlife conflict, notably in relation to bird-aircraft strikes. Methodological advances including tracking technologies and stable isotope analyses have enhanced understanding of these dynamics, yet significant research gaps persist, particularly in tropical regions and long-term demographic impacts. We conclude by outlining conservation and management implications, advocating for integrative waste management policies that reconcile biodiversity conservation with human health and safety. This review underscores the importance of multidisciplinary approaches to manage anthropogenic landscapes sustainably, providing critical insights for policymakers, ecologists, and urban planners.

Date: 2025
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