Innate immune function and antioxidant capacity of nestlings of an African raptor covary with the level of urbanisation around breeding territories.

ABSTRACT: Urban areas provide breeding habitats for many species. However, animals raised in urban environments face challenges such as altered food availability and quality, pollution and pathogen assemblages. These challenges can affect physiological processes such as immune function and antioxidant defences which are important for fitness. Here, we explore how levels of urbanisation influence innate immune function, immune response to a mimicked bacterial infection and antioxidant capacity of nestling Black Sparrowhawks Accipiter melanoleucus in South Africa. We also explore the effect of timing of breeding and rainfall on physiology since both can influence the environmental condition under which nestlings are raised. Finally, because urbanisation can influence immune function indirectly, we use

SUBMITTER: Nwaogu CJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10107107 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature