Impact of tourism on bird behavior: A comparison of flight initiation distance between birds in areas of tourist and non-tourist attraction

Abstract

Tourism, as an important manifestation of urbanization, is becoming increasingly popular. Although it offers numerous advantages for the local community, it also exerts a multifaceted impact on local wildlife. Previous research on the effects of tourism has mainly focused on protected areas or tourist spots, rarely considering the surrounding non-tourist attraction areas. Therefore, exploring the behavioral differences of wildlife in response to different levels of human disturbance in areas of tourist and non-tourist attraction will contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the impact of tourism activities on animals. This study compared the differences in the flight initiation distance (FID) of Eurasian tree sparrows (Passer montanus) between areas of tourist attraction (Xijiang Miao Village and Zhaoxing Dong Village) and non-tourist attraction (surrounding villages) in Guizhou Province, southwestern China. We found that Eurasian tree sparrows in areas of tourist attraction exhibited shorter FIDs than those in areas of non-tourist attraction, suggesting that Eurasian tree sparrows inhabiting areas with higher levels of human disturbance demonstrate a greater ability to adapt to anthropogenic disturbance. Moreover, the FID of Eurasian tree sparrows was less influenced by flock size than by tourist attraction category. It highlights the notable impact of human activities on wildlife, contributing to the scientific management and protection of birds in urban environments.

Keywords: Behavioral plasticity; Eurasian tree sparrow; Flight initiation distance; Human disturbance; Tourism.