Effect of Human Disturbance on Bird Telomere Length: An Experimental Approach

Human recreational activities increase worldwide in space and frequency leading to higher rates of encounter between humans wild animals. Because wildlife often perceive as predators, this human disturbance may have negative consequences for the individuals also viability populations. Up now, experiments on effects mainly focused individual behavioral stress-physiological reactions, breeding success, survival. However, other physiological parameters trans-generational remain poorly understood. We used a low-intensity experimental field explore impacts telomere length great tit ( Parus major ) populations found clear effect length. Adult males, but not females, disturbed plots showed shorter lengths when compared control plot. Moreover, variation adult tits was reflected next generation, we positive correlation chicks their fathers. Given that has been linked animal lifespan, our study highlights considered be little concern (i.e., low levels disturbance) can long-lasting impact physiology survival animals generation.