<
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/commentisfree/article/2024/sep/06/australias-cities-are-losing-their-colourful-and-melodious-birds-we-need-to-bring-back-this-natural-joy>
"The birds that fill our mornings with songs and our parks and gardens with
colour are disappearing from our cities, our new study has found.
We examined 82 bird species across 42 landscape types in Brisbane. The range of
landscapes encompassed parks, bushland reserves, and industrial and residential
areas.
Our findings were clear: urbanisation, particularly the increase in built
infrastructure and the loss of green spaces, was linked to a decline in the
bird communities we find most attractive. In other words, many of the colourful
birds with sweet songs are leaving or dying out. They include many smaller
species that are among the most affected by increasing urbanisation.
Beauty may be in the eye of the beholder but previous research has shown
species with bright colours, contrasting colour patterns and melodious calls
are perceived as attractive. Seeing and hearing them can enhance our mood. As
cities expand and we cram more people into existing urban areas, we risk losing
the vibrant natural birdlife that helps make urban life enjoyable."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
