The Foraging of Birds on Waste-dumps in the Campus of Yaounde University II, Centre Region, Cameroon

Abstract

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 fringilloides 17%, and Pycnonotus barbatus 4% on dumpsites. There was a significance between dump location and proximity to buildings X² = 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 X² = 26.768 df=8, P=0.001. There was a significance on weather changes and bird-foraging intensity X² = 10.221 df=6, P<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 X² = 10.221 df=6, P<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