https://phys.org/news/2018-07-agricultural-urban-habitat-long-term-bird.html

"We need to understand how species use and respond to changes in not only their primary habitat, but also habitats that they only use occasionally. Species that can take advantage of alternate habitats can expand their populations," says Ward. "Understanding which species can or can't take advantage of these alternative habitats will allow us to better predict which species need conservation efforts. Urban habitats are the habitats in which many species have been increasing, and the general public, by providing small bits of habitat in their backyards, have the opportunity to help a range of species." Species that have been declining, on the other hand, may rebound if agricultural practices change to become more wildlife-friendly.

"When trying to explain changes in population size and distribution, biologists often look first to changes in the habitats that are most closely associated with a species. This study demonstrates that these 'primary habitats,' as termed by the authors, do not necessarily drive population changes," adds the Cornell Lab of Ornithology's Amanda Rodewald, an expert on birds' response to land use who was not involved in the study. "Rather, the extent to which a species uses novel or alternative habitats such as urban areas might better explain patterns. One key implication for conservation is that tracking species within alternative habitats may help biologists to understand, anticipate, and potentially mitigate population changes."

                                                            
                                    
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