Dr Carla du Toit, Professor Anusuya Chinsamy, and Associate Professor Susan Cunning of the University of Cape Town have discovered the extraordinary sensory capabilities of Hadeda Ibises , shedding light on their remarkable range expansion across Southern Africa.The study, published in the prestigious Journal of Avian Biology, emphasises the importance of human soil irrigation and ibises’ remote-tactile foraging abilities in driving habitat expansion.
Significantly, this ability is dependent on the moisture content of the soil. As humans irrigate soils in suburban and agricultural areas, creating wetter substrates, ibises take advantage of this environmental change to locate their prey more efficiently, allowing them to expand their range.“The findings of our study underscore the crucial interplay between environmental factors and sensory ecology in shaping the distribution and behaviour of wetland birds,” says Dr du Toit.
“The rapid adaptation of Hadeda Ibises to changes in soil moisture levels underscores their resilience and adaptability,” notes Dr du Toit. “Understanding the sensory requirements of wetland birds is imperative for effective conservation strategies, particularly in the face of ongoing habitat alterations.”
Further analysis of the study’s data indicates that Hadeda Ibises’ range expansion is closely related to human-induced soil irrigation. This phenomenon has not only facilitated the birds’ foraging activities, but has also resulted in their spread in suburban and agricultural areas.
Source: Education Headlines (educationheadlines.net)
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Can an African ratings agency provide a fairer assessment of African credit?The AU is pushing for an Africa-centric credit rating agency to address chronic low ratings from major agencies like S&P, Moody’s and Fitch. These low ratings exacerbate public debt, threatening the sustainability and access to international and domestic lines of credit.
Source: TheAfricaReport - 🏆 29. / 55 Read more »
Central African Republic: 20 Dead After Ferry Sinks in Central African Republic, Witnesses SayAt least 20 people have drowned in Central African Republic after a ferry sank while carrying passengers on a river, witnesses said Saturday.
Source: allafrica - 🏆 1. / 99 Read more »
Source: BusinessTechSA - 🏆 24. / 61 Read more »
Source: ewnupdates - 🏆 30. / 53 Read more »
Source: News24 - 🏆 4. / 80 Read more »
Source: KickOffMagazine - 🏆 36. / 51 Read more »