The effect of urbanization and exposure to multiple environmental factors on life-history traits and breeding success of Barn Swallows (Hirundo rustica) across China

In addition to landscape changes, urbanization also brings about changes in environmental factors that can affect wildlife. Despite the common referral published literature multiple such as light and noise pollution, there is a gap knowledge their combined impact. We developed multidimensional framework assess effect of (light, noise, temperature) on life-history traits breeding success Barn Swallows (Hirundo rustica) across rural urban gradients four locations spanning over 2500 ​km from North South China. Over single season, we measured these nearby nests quantified 1 ​km2 radius. then analysed relationships between through principal component analysis conducted spatially explicit linear-mixed effects models success. were particularly interested understanding whether how able adapt conditions associated with urbanization. The results show significant variation exposure experienced by These are complex due behavioural responses ameliorating potential negative selecting nesting sites minimize factors. However, urbanization, factors, laying date clutch size pervasive. Still, impact was, at least our sample, negligible, suggesting extremely adaptable wide range features.