The Foraging of Birds on Waste-dumps in the Campus of Yaounde University II, Centre Region, Cameroon

Foraging of wild birds on city waste dumps is one the most popular forms human–wildlife interactions in world. The extensive bird-habitat destruction for urban development has restricted wild-bird feeding to waste-dumps communities Cameroon. objective this study was examine importance waste-dump ecology feeding. research area divided into four zones, north, south, east, and west an effective data collection program. More so, dumpsites were randomly selected from each zone visited twice a week collection. On dumps, observations done 7:00am – 6:00pm, activities all bird species observed recorded during period. Additionally, ecological conditions like weather changes, photo-period, weight estimate proximity dump residential homes, major materials simultaneously. results shown positive significant correlation location r = 0.756, P 0.000. dominant population Ploceus luteolus 31% cucullatus 31%, compared Corvus albus 17%, Lonchura fringilloide s Pycnonotus barbatus 4% dumpsites. There significance between buildings X 2 277.057 df=9, P=0.000. western flank richer fragments northern 25%, southern 22% flanks respectively. A foraging intensity 26.768 df=8, P=0.001. changes bird-foraging 10.221 df=6, P<0.05. sunny received highest activity engagement 52%, wind 24%, cloud 19%, rain 5% also witnessed Weather such as heavy rainfall have played role reducing or halting wildlife. Waste-dump ecosystem many cities immensely contributed their increase. available food long been relief strategies increase wild-city birds. University Yaoundé II rich subsidies feeding, situation that increased university campus. Keywords: Foraging, Wild-birds, Waste-dumps, Atmospheric campus DOI: 10.7176/ALST/94-03 Publication date: August 31 st 2022