A recent study conducted by researchers at The University of New Mexico has uncovered a new insight into the issue of bird collisions with buildings.
The study reveals that night-migrating birds face a higher risk of colliding with buildings illuminated by high levels of blue light at night, a factor that has not been extensively explored before.
While bird-building collisions are a global phenomenon, there are still significant gaps in our knowledge. In North America, where most studies have been done, it is estimated that between 365 million and 988 million birds die from building collisions each year, with migratory birds being the most affected. Surprisingly, very few studies have focused on tropical regions like Asia and Africa, leaving us with little understanding of bird collisions in these areas.
Previous studies on bird-building collisions have mainly been limited to surveys of a few buildings in urban areas. These studies suggest that building design plays a role, with larger, more reflective, and brightly lit buildings causing more bird fatalities. However, it is unclear if these findings apply to all large cities.
Tan, a Ph.D. candidate at the UNM Department of Biology, led this research in Singapore, taking a unique approach to studying the issue. His work focuses on the biogeography, evolution, and conservation of birds in Southeast Asia.
2024-04-11 17:00:04
Link from phys.org