Nesting Resource Partitioning of Four Species (Acridotheres tristis, Acridotheres ginginianus, Sturnia pagodarum and Gracupica contra) of Sturnidae Family in Peri-Urban Region of Ajmer City, Rajasthan, India
Shakshi *
Department of Zoology, Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati University, Ajmer, Rajasthan, India.
Rounak Choudhary
Department of Environmental Science (Centre for Excellence), Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati University, Ajmer, Rajasthan, India.
Vivek Sharma
Department of Zoology, Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati University, Ajmer, Rajasthan, India.
Subroto Dutta
Department of Environmental Science (Centre for Excellence), Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati University, Ajmer, Rajasthan, India.
Subhash Chandra
Department of Zoology, Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati University, Ajmer, Rajasthan, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Aims: The study aims to study the resource partitioning and nesting behaviour in four species namely Common Myna, Bank Myna, Brahminy Starling, and Asian Pied Starling nesting in human settlements.
Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted from January 2022 to July 2023 in peri-urban areas of Ajmer city, Rajasthan, India.
Methodology: Using observations and point-count transects, we examined the nesting preferences, heights, and materials used by these species.
Results: The findings reveal that all four species demonstrated a remarkable adaptability to urban environments by selecting man-made structures as their preferred nesting sites. Common Mynas, in particular, displayed a preference for a variety of human constructions, such as buildings and building cracks, and utilized materials like twigs, straws, plastic, paper, and cotton.
Conclusion: This study highlights the importance of considering wildlife adaptation in urban planning and conservation efforts, as these birds thrive in human-altered landscapes. The nesting behaviors and adaptation of these Sturnidae species in urban environments reveal their ability to coexist with human development. Understanding these interactions is crucial for both avian ecology and urban planning, as it sheds light on the intricate relationships between wildlife and changing landscapes.
Keywords: Sturnidae, nesting biology, Ajmer, anthropogenic influence