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The first study to separate the effect of forest tracks from human presence shows that the number of birds, as well as bird species, is reduced when trails are used more regularly. This is also the case when trails have been used for many years, suggesting that forest birds do not get used to this recreational activity. Published in Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution the results suggest that the physical presence of trails has less impact on forest birds than the frequency with which these recreational trails are used by people. To minimize the impact on these creatures of the forest, it is best to avoid homeless people using designated trails.
"We show that forest birds are very clearly affected by humans and that this avoidance behavior has not disappeared even after years of use by humans." Dr. Yves Bötsch, lead author of this study , is based at the Swiss Ornithology Institute of Sempach (Switzerland) and affiliated with the Institute of Evolutionary Biology and Environment of the University of Zurich.All birds do not get used to humans and it remains a sustainable effect. ", Switzerland." It is important to show this because the pressure on natural habitats and nature protection areas is becoming stronger and access bans are often ignored. "
Many Outdoor activities depend on infrastructure, with roads and trails being the most common.Previous research has shown that trails cause habitat loss and fragmentation, where larger areas of & # 39; habitat are dissected into smaller fragments, thus separating wildlife populations. However, it is difficult to say for sure if it is the presence of trails or humans that has the greatest impact on forest birds.
Bötsch explains: "Previous studies have provided conflicting results regarding the effects of trails on birds, with some studies showing negative effects while others do not. The intensity of human use could be at the origin of this gap, which made us dissociate the effect of traces on the human presence. "
The researchers visited four forests possessing a similar habitat. , such as tree types, but differ in recreation levels. They recorded all the birds heard and seen at points close to the trails, as well as in the forest itself, and discovered that a smaller number of birds were recorded in the forests used more frequently by l & # 39; man. In addition, they noticed that some species were more affected than others.
"Very sensitive species, measured by the distance from the beginning of flight (the distance a bird exposed to a human being flying away), have shown a greater loophole, even according to Bötsch, these sensitive species were raptors, such as the common buzzard and the European Sparrowhawk, as well as pigeons and piverts. "
He goes on:" It is generally badumed that hiking in the wild does not hurt Wildlife But our study shows that even in forests used for decades for recreational purposes, birds are not sufficiently accustomed to human activities to offset the adverse effects of human disturbance. "
Bötsch concludes by giving advice that could help minimize the adverse effects. on forest birds by people who use forests for recreational purposes.
"We believe that protected areas with forbidden access are necessary and important, and that new trails leading to isolated forest areas should not be promoted." Visitors to existing forest trails should be encouraged to respect the rule of thumb. "stay on the trail" and refrain from roaming on designated trails. "
Source:
Supports provided by Frontiers . Note: Content can be changed for style and length.
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