Contrasting vigilance levels in shrikes: implications of human disturbance in Europe and Southeast Asia
Description
Wild bird species remain among the most hunted and captured groups of animals. In Southeast Asia, they are viewed as resources to be exploited rather than protected. Addressing the threats posed by hunting and trade requires a comprehensive understanding of species-specific ecology. In this study, we compare the perching sites and flight initiation distances (FID) of two shrike species: the Red-backed Shrike, observed in areas with lower human hunting pressure, and the Brown Shrike, found in areas with higher human hunting pressure. Our results indicate that the distance to the nearest dirt road and proximity to built-up areas significantly influenced the perching sites of the analysed shrike species. The Brown Shrike exhibited a significantly longer FID than the Red-backed Shrike. Additionally, the starting distance had a positive effect on FID, while proximity to the nearest built-up area negatively influenced FID in both species. These findings suggest that closer proximity to human settlements prompts earlier flight responses, likely due to the perceived risk of human predation. This heightened sensitivity to humans may play a crucial role in shaping shrike behavior and their adaptability to environments with varying levels of human disturbance.