Population density mediates induced immune response, but not physiological condition in a well-adapted urban bird.

ABSTRACT: Thriving under high population density is considered a major feature of urban exploiter species. Nevertheless, population density appears to be a surprisingly overlooked factor in urban ecology studies. High population numbers observed in urban species might promote pathogen transmission and negatively affect health or condition, thus requiring investments in immunocompetence. The feral pigeon Columba livia domestica is an example of a successful city-dweller, found in great abundance in large cities across the globe. We investigated the effects of population density on induced immune response (phytohaemagglutinin skin test) and body condition (blood haemoglobin concentration and size-corrected body mass) in 120 feral pigeons, captured along population density gradient in Łódź (central Pol

SUBMITTER: Kaminski M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9160275 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature