BEHAVIOURAL ECOLOGY OF URBAN WILDLIFE: ADAPTATIONS TO ANTHROPOGENIC ENVIRONMENTS

Urbanization reshapes natural ecosystems, creating complex environments that challenge wildlife survival while offering novel opportunities. This article synthesizes current research on the behavioural ecology of urban wildlife, examining how species adapt to anthropogenic pressures through modifications in foraging, reproduction, movement, and social behaviours. Urban wildlife, such as raccoons (Procyon lotor), coyotes (Canislatrans), and blackbirds (Turdusmerula), demonstrates remarkable behavioural plasticity, enabling them to exploit resources like human food waste and artificial structures. Foraging adaptations include dietary shifts toward anthropogenic foods, with urban raccoons consuming 40% human-derived food compared to 10% in rural settings (Prange et al., 2011). Reproductive strategies adjust to urban cues, such as earlier breeding in blackbirds due to artificial lighting (Partecke et al., 2014). Movement patterns reflect smaller home ranges in cities, as seen in urban coyotes (Gehrt et al., 2011). Social behaviours, including group formation in raccoons and altered vocalizations in great tits (Parus major), respond to urban noise and resource distribution (Slabbekoorn & Ripmeester, 2012). These adaptations have ecological implications, altering trophic dynamics, and evolutionary consequences, potentially driving speciation or extinction. Data tables illustrate these behavioural shifts, highlighting species-specific responses. However, urbanization introduces risks like pollution, habitat fragmentation, and human-wildlife conflict, threatening long-term survival. This review underscores the resilience of urban wildlife but emphasizes the need for continued research to understand evolutionary trajectories and inform conservation strategies. By integrating behavioural ecology into urban planning, we can mitigate anthropogenic impacts, fostering sustainable coexistence with wildlife. Future studies should explore emerging stressors, such as climate change and technological advancements, to ensure biodiversity thrives in increasingly urbanized landscapes.