IMPACT OF URBANIZATION ON BIRD MIGRATION: HOW URBAN SPRAWL AND LIGHT POLLUTION ARE ALTERING THE MIGRATORY PATTERNS OF BIRDS

Abstract

Undoubtedly, urban sprawl and light pollution pose great threats to the migratory patterns of birds all over the world. This study aims to compile all the literature available on the effects of urbanization and light pollution on bird migration. A comprehensive search of several academic databases resulted in the identification of relevant studies, which were systematically reviewed. The outcomes of this study shows that urbanization causes habitat loss, fragmentation, and disruption of migratory corridors. In addition to light pollution, altered migratory routes, causing structural collisions with birds, and changing the times of migration. Changes in both urban sprawl and light pollution will alter migratory behaviors, change migratory routes, and increase collisions with buildings and other anthropogenic structures in birds. The current context submits that conservation strategies are greatly needed in mitigating urbanization and light pollution regarding bird migration patterns. Many studies focused only on avian ecology, but there are still only a few studies that examine both urban growth and light pollution together and how they disturb migratory birds. Future direction includes more research designs and practical implication of these research results to protect birds from the adverse effects of urban sprawl and light pollution. These designs include making bird-friendly conurbations, using smart lights, and making more strict international policies for the conservation of the bird species.