Anthropophilic Birds: Definition, Typology and Conservation

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Most of the earth terrestrial areas as well as the oceans are now transformed, exploited and inhabited by humans. In this context, several bird species now live in the neighbouring human living and working areas. This article aims to explore the different facets of this anthropophily : the definition of this concept, the processes leading to the life with humans as well as the impacts of the anthropization on birds, and, finally, the influence of this concept in the field of wildlife management and conservation. Looking beyond the pleasing aspect of of seeing a range of species within anthropogenic landscapes such as cathedral spires, the reasons that led to the anthropophily of these birds is very different between species. Moreover this “new life” alongside humans is far from being always beneficial to birds in terms of reproductive success and survival rate. The anthropophily of some bird species should not be allowed to hide the overall negative impacts of anthropization on avifauna at large spatial scales, to the point that the authors stress the urgent need for a conservation of the habitats and the species that are not associated with humans, which are increasingly rare.