Journal of Environmental Biology

Effect of environmental factors on the communal roosting behavior of House crow (Corvus splendens)

P. Kumar¹*, A.K. Sharma¹, K. Pal² and A.K. Shukla³     

¹Department of Zoology, K.S. Saket P.G. College, Ayodhya-224 123, India

²Department of Biochemistry, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi-221 005, India

³Department of Botany, K.S. Saket P.G. College, Ayodhya-224 123, India

Received: 27 February 2025                   Revised: 16 May 2025                   Accepted: 28 June 2025

*Corresponding Author Email : itiprashant.au1312@gmail.com                  *ORCiD: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5027-6302

Abstract

Aim: To observe the effect of environmental factors influenced by the anthropogenic activities on various events of roosting behavior of House crow (Corvus splendens).

Methodology: All Roost sites were located in the vicinity of highly urbanized settlements with ample anthropogenic light and sound. Correlation analysis was carried out to work out how environmental factors affect various roosting events. Multiple regression analysis suggested best fitted model to explain the variability observed in roosting events. Sunset time, temperature, humidity, illumination and sound intensitywere recorded. Four principal events viz., time of first arrival, time of half arrival, time of last arrival and mean time of last vocal were observed. In addition, three derived events viz. duration between sunset time to first arrival, first arrival to last arrival and last vocal were also studied.

Results: It was found that sunset time, temperature, humidity, illumination and sound intensity in part were correlated and predictors for different principle and derived roosting events. Anthropogenic light and sound affected roosting events via altering intensity and duration of light and sound. An extended duration of derived events were observed on comparing our findings with previously available record. It was proposed that in addition to altered abiotic conditions, interplay of various other complex cognitive processes while roosting may be a contributor to these times lapsed.

Interpretation: Environmental factors along with anthropogenic light and sound affect roosting events. Therefore, anthropogenic activities should be managed to avoid adverse consequences on roosting behavior and thus, the survival of birds.

Key words: Anthropogenic light and sound, Environmental factors, House crow, Roosting behavior

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