Effective raptor conservation in human-dominated landscapes requires understanding both biological realities and local socio-ecological perceptions. This study investigated the dietary ecology and community perception of the short-toed snake eagle (Circaetus gallicus) in the agropastoral landscapes of the Thar Desert, India. Autonomous nest camera monitoring was used to observe a single representative breeding pair during the chick-provisioning phase. Concurrently, a structured survey of 87 local community members assessed traditional ecological knowledge and socio-cultural perceptions across different age cohorts and livelihoods (traditional pastoralists and agriculturalists). Camera monitoring recorded 62 prey deliveries, revealing similar proportions of snakes (order Ophidia) and large desert lizards (order Lacertilia) during the observation period. Baseline perceptions were highly positive, with strong consensus on the eagle’s cultural value (median=4.0, IQR=1.0) and conservation importance. Furthermore, respondents demonstrated an acute awareness of the eagle’s role as a biological snake controller (median=3.67, IQR=1.0). However, quantitative analysis revealed a highly significant ecological blind spot (p<0.001) regarding the raptor’s reliance on desert lizards, with widespread lack of awareness (median=1.0) cutting equally across all generations and livelihood groups. To foster long-term coexistence, we recommend an “agricultural ally” conservation framework. By actively integrating empirical nest camera evidence with the community’s existing spiritual ethos of compassion (Jeev-Daya), conservationists can bridge this cognitive gap. Demonstrating that culturally revered snake controllers depend fundamentally on lizards can transform local perspectives on native open scrublands, protecting these critical habitats from industrial fragmentation.
Various threats, including habitat loss, climate change, overexploitation, and human activities, endanger bird species. To combat declining avian populations, cutting-edge technologies have been employed to safeguard species, particularly those that are endangered or critically endangered. From this perspective, we highlight organoid and stem cell models, combined with genomic tools, as a novel approach to genetic rescue in bird populations. Somatic and germline stem cell technologies, such as embryonic stem cells, induced pluripotent stem cells, and primordial germ cells, along with a biobanking platform, are emphasized for avian genetic conservation. Integrating in situ and ex situ conservation through cell-based and genomic studies could bridge the genotype-phenotype gap, thereby enhancing conservation efforts. The theme: From Cells to Conservation is proposed, aiming for real-world conservation impact and reusable outcomes. Overall, cellular models and translational genetic platforms under this theme could inform evidence-based strategies for sustainable genetic rescue of threatened bird populations.
Karina Pavão Patricio, Victor Castanho, Victor Rodrigues Antonelli, Giulia Catissi, Eliseth Ribeiro Leão
Contact with nature and birdwatching are widely associated with psychological and well-being benefits. However, the mechanisms underlying these effects remain poorly understood and standardized instruments capable of measuring the intensity of this practice are still lacking. This study aimed to investigate the association between birdwatching intensity and indicators of subjective happiness, mindfulness, nature connectedness and psychological distress, as well as to present initial evidence of validity for the Birdwatching Intensity Index (BII). A cross-sectional study was conducted with 444 Brazilian birdwatchers that completed an online questionnaire composed of three sections: 1) sociodemographic information; 2) characterization of birdwatching intensity index (BII) and 3) validated psychometric scales: subjective happiness (PHI), mindfulness scores (MAAS), nature connectedness (CNS) and psychological distress (SRQ-20). Correlation and multiple regression analyses were performed, in addition to assessments of internal consistency and the factor structure of the BII. Greater birdwatching intensity was associated with higher MAAS (p = 0.036) and lower levels of SRQ-20 (p < 0.001), with no significant differences observed for PHI or CNS. After item refinement, the reduced three-item version of the BII demonstrated good internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.80) and a unidimensional structure, supporting its use as a parsimonious measure of engagement in birdwatching. Birdwatching was associated with greater mindfulness and lower psychological distress, reinforcing its potential to promote well-being and mental health.
Paisley Blair, John Koprowski, Temple Stoellinger, Ryan Williamson, Kelly Dunning
Recreational activities such as birdwatching, or “birding,” are among the most commonly studied cultural ecosystem services. However, the benefits these services provide, particularly within avian-estuarine habitats, remain mostly under characterized. We identify, distinguish, and compare stakeholder perceptions of cultural ecosystem service benefits associated with birdwatching across two major estuaries situated within US coastal flyways. Drawing on a mixed-methods questionnaire administered to 31 birding stakeholders in Barnegat Bay, New Jersey (Atlantic Flyway) and San Francisco Bay, California (Pacific Flyway), we assess the distinct benefits across three categories: identities, capabilities, and experiences of birders, as well as associated service-benefit products like cultural goods. Experiential benefits, particularly those associated with rare or vagrant bird sightings, were the most prominent across both sites. Barnegat Bay was believed by informants to host a variety of birding-related events that overlap with greater themes of coastal culture and maritime heritage, whereas San Francisco Bay informants saw more insulated birding-specific cultural goods. Specialized birder identity was emphasized more strongly among San Francisco Bay informants than those in Barnegat Bay, and geographic identity tied to locally iconic species received little emphasis in either location. Informants at both sites also identified a notable knowledge gap between active birdwatchers and the general public, which we argue warrants attention from local wildlife and land managers. Taken together, our findings illuminate the reciprocal nature of cultural ecosystem services by demonstrating how identity, capability, and experience interact across distinct estuary contexts. These interactions offer actionable insights for managers seeking to develop more effective interpretive and outreach programming, tailored tourism offerings, and stronger conservation initiatives.
Victoria J. Dreitz, Jenna Griffin-Musick, Ashlynn Everett, Catherine A. Off
Interacting with birds offers measurable benefits for human well-being, creating a unique multisensory bridge between ecological engagement and psychosocial health. This perspective examines how bird-centered ecological engagement was integrated into an Intensive Comprehensive Aphasia Program (ICAP), a cohort-based rehabilitation model for stroke survivors living with aphasia. Aphasia affects speaking, listening, reading, and writing and is frequently accompanied by social isolation and reduced participation in everyday life. Building upon participation-oriented rehabilitation frameworks, this paper proposes that bird-centered ecological engagement functions as a structured therapeutic interface capable of supporting communication, participation, and psychosocial well-being. Within the ICAP, bird-centered ecological experiences promoted shared attention, ecological observation, and communicative interaction while reconnecting participants with environmental rhythms and social interactions. Across successive ICAP iterations each year, these experiences ranged from guided bird observation and specimen-based learning to adaptive use of binoculars and spotting scopes, bird-call identification, and immersive outdoor soundscape activities. We introduce a conceptual framework in which bird-centered ecological engagement operates through three intersecting mechanisms: 1) ecological grounding of shared attention, 2) communicative scaffolding, and 3) ecological participation and identity reconstruction. Together, these mechanisms suggest that birds may function not only as sources of restorative exposure, but as dynamic ecological referents that organize share attention, interaction, and participation across clinical and community contexts. More broadly, this perspective reframes human-bird interaction research by positioning bird-centered ecological engagement as a communicative and participatory framework through which ecological experiences may support communicative participation, belonging, and psychosocial well-being in rehabilitation settings.
