Abstract

Ecological and biological processes of many bird species are regulated by human generated dump-food fragments in cities. Birds are well known to have an ecological role in both natural and modified ecosystems. The major aim of this study was to determine the ecological role of dump-food subsidy to the feeding behavior of wild-birds in Limbe city. The research area was divided into four zones, north, south, east, and west. The zonation was based on a sampling method that would reduce bias in the data collection program. Eight dumpsites were randomly selected from each zone and were visited five times a week for research data collection. On the waste-dumps, observations were done from 7:00am – 6:00pm, and the activities of all the bird species observed were recorded during the period. However, the study witnessed a significance between bird species and feeding rate X² = 38.473 df=6, P=0.000. More so, the presence of 8-bird species was recorded on waste-dumps, amongst which was Ploceus cucullatus 19%, Ploceus luteolus 19%, Passer griseus 18%, Bubulcus ibis 17%, Corvus albus 16% were the highest while Anthreptes collaris 1%, Columbia livia 4%, Cenceropus sinensis 6% the lowest. The atmospheric condition and photo-period recorded a significance X² = 20.597 df=4, P=0.000. The study revealed highest bird activity rate in the afternoon period of the day 36% compared to morning 32% and evening 32% each respectively. Feeding rate and atmospheric changes were significant X² = 29.499 df=7, P=0.000. Dump-weight estimate showed a significance on atmospheric condition and feeding rate as well X² = 5.616 df=8, P<0.05 and X² = 57.712 df=14, P=0.000 respectively. Additionally, dominant waste material and feeding rate recorded a significance X² = 13.269 df=4, P=0.010. The most dominant material found on all the dumps was food fragments 79% compared to plastics 10%, paper 8%, and cloths 3% respectively. There was a positive correlation between feeding rate and photo-period r = 0.205, P=.0.007. The study discovered that street-waste dumps were sometimes collected/removed by the management authorities after weeks or even months of accumulation causing windblown light fragments to litter the roads and nearby compounds. Additionally, insects, rodents, snakes, domestic animals, and birds that feed on these dumps sometimes visit human homes and may vector illnesses like, malaria, cholera, and typhoid, amongst others to humans.