PLAGIARISM
PUBLICATIONS
Public perceptions of African crowned eagles in an urban-rural mosaic of eThekwini Municipality, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa. 14 Table 2.1 Site covariates used to model occupancy and detection probability for crowned eagles in the present study.
Urbanisation and challenges
In addition, the other features of these urbanized landscapes include high levels of light and noise pollution (Dominoni et al. 2013). This is because the vegetation provided by the urban green spaces can mitigate some of the effects of urbanization processes (Mansour et al. 2022).
Raptors
Another challenge that will significantly affect the persistence of bird species (including raptors) will be global climate change (McKinney 2008; Wiens 2016; McClure et al. 2018). In addition, raptors can be used as indicators of ecosystem health due to their sensitivity (Sekercioglu 2006; Donázar et al. 2016).
Human-wildlife conflict and coexistence
Thus, the human-wildlife conflict between humans and raptors is one of the major challenges for effective conservation measures for global raptor species (Salom et al. 2021). Horgan et al. 2021), there is still some hostility towards them, exacerbating negative attitudes and perceptions towards them.
Study area- an urban mosaic landscape
Recent research has highlighted the key role and importance of these D'MOSS sites in maintaining the biodiversity of eThekwini Municipality (see Maseko et al. The eThekwini Municipality is in the Indian Ocean Coastal Fog Belt biome and has a subtropical climate with more rainfall in summer (Zungu et al. 2020a).
Study species
Müller et al. 2020) and they only documented the crowned eagles in forest areas of certain urban areas of eThekwini Municipality (Table 1.1). In addition, the D'MOSS areas also include areas of exotic tree plantations (i.e., Eucalyptus spp.), which crowned eagles may use for nesting (see McPherson et al. 2016b).
Motivation for the study
This is because the D’MOSS areas are key habitat for crowned eagles (and their primary prey) and provide large trees for nesting (see McPherson et al. 2016b, 2019). In the eThekwini municipality, recent studies have shown that golden eagles persist and thrive, particularly in forest fragments, in the urban mosaic landscape (see McPherson et al.
Aim and objectives
Investigate any potential competition for nesting sites between crowned eagles and other large raptor species in the urban mosaic landscape. The main objective was to evaluate how the local population of crowned eagles would respond (i.e. decrease or increase) to the increase in heavy rainfall/thunderstorms in the study area.
Thesis structure
Use questionnaire surveys to document how urban and rural communities perceive the presence of crowned eagles in their communities. Using demographic modeling, estimate how the population of crowned eagles would respond (ie, decrease or increase) to the increase in heavy rain/thunderstorms.
Modification of the third stage in the framework for vertebrate persistence in urban mosaic environments. Selection of the nest site of the crowned hawk-eagle in the forests of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, and Tai, Ivory Coast.
ABSTRACT
Using point-count surveys, we documented the presence/absence of African crowned eagles at 42 sampling sites in Durban's urban mosaic landscape. Overall, our results showed the persistence of African crowned eagles in the urban landscape mosaic as a consequence of natural and managed green spaces, especially forests.
Introduction
But apex predators, such as birds of prey, are generally significantly affected by the effects of urbanization (Muller et al., 2020). Fortunately, most countries worldwide have specific laws that protect avifauna, protecting raptors from the aforementioned threats (McClure et al., 2018).
Methods
From previous research (McPherson et al., 2016a, b, 2019), there are records of crowned eagles in forests in EThekwini Municipality, and to increase our knowledge of this species, we surveyed forest areas across the landscape mosaic. urban (Fig. 2.1). Since crowned eagles are woodland/forest species (McPherson et al., 2019; Muller et al., 2020), we calculated the proportion of these types of land, which would be very important to explain ideal habitat availability in relation to species occupancy and detection probability.
Results
Settlement (S) The type of settlement (ie rural or urban) that surrounds the survey area. Plantations (P) Proportion of landscape covered by plantations within the buffer distance Water (W) Proportion of landscape covered by water within the buffer distance. Based on the strength of each variable's effects on occupancy and detection probability, the total cumulative model weights (ωi) of the variables in the top model were; forests = 0.88, disturbances = 0.78, settlements = 0.69 and roads = 0.60).
Discussion
However, if crowned eagles frequent or visit areas of high building density, they are more susceptible to window crashes and electric shocks, thereby reducing their population numbers (McPherson et al., 2021a,b). Furthermore, crowned eagles in some areas of Durban's urban landscape mosaic are seen as a threat to domestic animals, and in more rural areas to chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus) and young goats (Capra aegagrus hircus); therefore they are often persecuted (Maseko et al., unpublished data; McPherson et al., 2021a, b).
Acknowledgements
Our results further clarify that exotic tree plantations play a role in the survival of crowned eagles because these plantations positively influenced the detection probability of crowned eagles. In conclusion, the forests in Durban's urban mosaic landscape play a vital role in the survival and conservation of crowned eagles.
Declarations
However, for long-term conservation and urban planning, aspects of human disturbance and urbanization may negatively affect the persistence of these raptors in this urban landscape mosaic. Furthermore, a necessary conservation measure for these 'urban' crowned eagles is to ensure that alternative nest sites are provided if exotic trees are removed (McPherson et al., 2016a, 2021b).
Fragment and life history correlates with extinction vulnerability of forest mammals in an urban forest mosaic in EThekwini Municipality, Durban, South Africa. Factors influencing forest mammal occupancy in an urban forest mosaic in EThekwini Municipality, Durban, South Africa.
Abstract
Our results showed that exotic tree plantations were essential for creating nest sites for crowned eagles and black sparrow hawks. Innovative conservation measures and strategies can be essential to protect raptor nesting sites (i.e. exotic tree plantations) in urbanized landscapes.
Introduction
For example starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) and great woodpeckers (Dendrocops major) (Smith, 2006), parrots (Psittacula krameri) and starlings (Dodaro and Battisti, 2014) or native nesters (Shivambu et al., 2021). ). For example, large raptor species use these stands of exotic trees for nesting purposes (Wreford et al., 2017; McPherson et al., 2016).
Methods
Distance to road (m) Nest tree host's distance to the nearest paved road Distance to buildings (m) Nest tree host's distance to the nearest building. Distance to water (m) The nest tree host's distance to the nearest permanent water source.
Results
We measured nearest neighbor distance as an indicator of the average distance of the nest tree host to the nearest potential nest tree host (i.e., large tree). We tested all parameters for normality, and only nest height and distance from road were not normal (Kolmogorov-Smirnov, P < 0.05).
Discussion
We showed that there was a significant difference in tree height between trees used by crowned eagles and black sparrowhawks in the urban landscape mosaic of Durban, South Africa. This could be true for sparrow hawks (Wreford, 2014) in Durban's urban landscape mosaic, consequently affecting the persistence of both crowned eagles and black sparrow hawks.
Acknowledgements
In conclusion, our research highlights the crucial role that exotic trees play in providing nest sites for raptors in the urban landscape mosaic and how exotic trees' complete removal can hinder the persistence of crowned eagles and black sparrows. In general, traits influencing nest site selection for crowned eagles and black sparrows were similar, suggesting that these species may compete for nest sites.
Declarations
Effects of habitat size and patch isolation on forest bird diversity in the urban mosaic of Durban, South Africa. Effects of landscape context on mammal richness in an urban forest mosaic of EThekwini Municipality, Durban, South Africa.
Abstract
We used generalized linear mixed models (GLLMs) to better explain which variables influenced respondents' (i) tolerance of crowned eagles, (ii) feelings about crowned eagles, (iii) importance of crowned eagles, and (iv) perceptions of crowned eagles as a threat to crowned eagles. livestock. Our results further showed that feelings towards golden eagles and level of education had a negative influence on whether or not golden eagles were perceived as a threat to livestock.
Introduction
One of the major concerns associated with human-animal conflict is that it results in the persecution of several animal species, exacerbating biodiversity loss (Nyhus, 2016; Salom et al., 2021). Incidents have been reported in our study area where members of the public report crowned eagles attacking pets and livestock (see McPherson et al., 2016b, 2021b).
Methods
During this, we developed a questionnaire (Supplementary information Table S4.1) and conducted surveys in both rural areas (KwaMashu, KwaNdengezi, Inchanga, Ntuzuma, Umlazi etc.) and urban areas (Everton, Westville, Kloof, Gillitts etc.) .) of the eThekwini Municipality, with the aim of documenting general attitudes and perceptions towards crowned eagles. Our study area consisted mainly of semi-rural areas, towns, inner and suburban areas; Therefore, we categorized semi-rural areas and settlements as rural areas, and inland and suburban areas as urban areas.
Results
Feelings towards crowned eagles were best explained by (i) age, (ii) nest proximity and (iii) education (Table 4.2). The importance of crowned eagles was best explained by (i) spending time in the forest, (ii) feelings towards crowned eagles, (iii) tolerance towards crowned eagles and (iv) education (Table 4.2).
Discussion
2016b) showed that golden eagles primarily feed on wild animal species such as rock hyrax (Procavia capensis) and vervets (Chlorocebus pygerythrus), with a relatively low number of domestic animals consumed (<2%). Also, the importance of crowned eagles in the environment was negatively affected by feelings towards this bird of prey.
Acknowledgements
Declarations
This study has been ethically reviewed and approved by the University of KwaZulu-Natal Humanities and Social Sciences Research Ethics Committee (Protocol reference number: HSSREC.
McPherson SC, Brown M, Downs CT (2016b) Crowned eagle (Stephanoaetus coronatus) diet in an urban landscape: potential for human-wildlife conflict. McPherson SC, Brown M, Downs CT (2019) Home range of a great forest eagle in a suburban landscape: crowned eagles (Stephanoaetus coronatus) in the Durban Metropolitan Open Space System, South Africa.
Supplementary information
How do you feel about having golden eagles or their nests around your residential area? Have you ever lost your livestock (eg chickens, goats) or pets (cats, dogs) to crowned eagles.
Abstract
In this study, we investigated the viability of a population of African crowned eagles (Stephanoaetus coronatus, hereafter crowned eagles) in the metropolis of Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. In addition, our results indicated that increased frequency of storms would likely lead to the extinction of the crowned eagle population in metropolitan Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, within 100 years.
Introduction
Furthermore, climate change effects include the increase in extreme weather patterns such as thunderstorms and droughts (Leng et al., 2015; Trenberth et al., 2018). South Africa is no exception when it comes to the harmful impacts that countries will experience as a result of climate change (Ziervogel et al., 2014; Rogerson, 2016).
Methods
Therefore, we estimated the carrying capacity of golden eagles in our study region to be 150. The annual mortality rate for golden eagles at age 2 years was set at 9%.
Results
Probability of crowned eagle population survival in the mosaic urban landscape of Durban metropolis in 100 years under different scenarios.
Discussion
Our results showed that the current population of crowned eagles in the urban mosaic landscape of the Durban metropolis is at risk of decline, especially due to the expected increase in catastrophic weather events, such as thunderstorms. Our results showed that the extinction of the golden eagle population in the mosaic urban landscape of the Durban metropolis could happen in 100 years, especially with the possibility of increasing thunderstorms due to climate change.
Acknowledgements
One of the limitations in the population stability analysis of crowned eagles is the possibility of placing juvenile females or males in the wrong category (ie, life stage) when setting the model parameters. Our main recommendation for the conservation of crowned eagles in the mosaic urban landscape of the Durban metropolis is the implementation, education and practice of climate change mitigation strategies by various actors to reduce the impacts of climate change.
Declarations
This is because male crowned eagles are very difficult to distinguish from females (and vice versa), especially when they are between 0 and 6 years of age (McPherson et al., 2017). Finally, our study investigated the population viability and sensitivity of charismatic crowned eagles to storms in a highly urbanized landscape.
Diet of the crowned eagle (Stephanoaetus coronatus) in an urban landscape: potential for human-wildlife conflict?. Species range shifts in response to climate change and human pressure for the world's largest.
- Overview
- Summary of research
- Concluding remarks and implications for future research
- Recommendations for future studies
- References
Climate change is another potential threat that could hinder the success and persistence of crowned eagles in the study region. The possible representation of the crown eagle population in eThekwini Municipality and what could happen over time.
