New research shows that Hadedas can sense vibrations in the soil caused by prey such as earthworms. (Photo courtesy of Arterra/Universal Images Group, Getty Images)
HThe Adeda, nicknamed 'Africa's alarm clock', have a sixth sense that could be key to expanding their range in southern Africa, a new study of their extraordinary sensory abilities has revealed.
A study by researchers at the University of Cape Town (UCT) has found that the Hadeda ibis has unique sensory adaptations that allow it to detect vibrations emitted by buried invertebrate prey such as earthworms.
Published in bird biology journalThis study highlights the role of irrigation and the ibis' remote tactile foraging ability in promoting habitat expansion in this region.
The authors noted that this ability depends on soil moisture content. Watering the soil in suburban and agricultural areas creates a wetter substrate, and ibises “take advantage of this environmental change to efficiently locate prey, thereby facilitating range expansion.” It is.
“Our findings highlight the important interactions between environmental factors and sensory ecology in shaping the distribution and behavior of wetland birds,” said Fitzpatrick with UCT's Department of Biological Sciences said Carla du Toit, a researcher at the African Institute of Ornithology.
Du Toit, whose doctoral thesis was part of the study, said Hadedus serves as a compelling example of how species adapt to human-induced habitat modification.
The ibis' sixth sense, remote touch, allows it to detect vibrations from prey within its substrate, as well as a “fusion of touch, hearing, and echolocation.”
The study, conducted at the World of Birds Reserve in Hout Bay, shows that ibises are more successful in foraging in moist soil, where vibrations are transmitted more effectively.
“Our results show that the Hadeda ibis uses remote touch to locate soft-bodied, mobile invertebrate prey buried beneath the ground, even in the absence of all other sensory signals (visual, auditory, chemical). “We show that it is possible,” the study says.
Du Toit said Hadeda's quick adaptation to changes in soil moisture levels underscores Hadeda's resilience and adaptability.
He added that this study improved our understanding of the sensory requirements of wetland birds, which is important for effective conservation strategies, especially when habitats are changing.
Soil irrigation “not only promoted bird foraging activity but also led to bird proliferation in suburban and agricultural areas,” the authors said.
Their characteristic loud call has become a familiar feature in urban areas and marks a change from their historical distribution in the eastern regions of South Africa.
“Human activities have inadvertently paved the way for the Hadeda Ibis to expand into new areas. As we continue to modify our landscapes, the ecological impacts and potential cascading effects on wildlife It is important to take this into account,” added Du Toit.
Future research will explore the tactile systems of modern birds on a global scale to understand the function and evolution of these senses and associated organs.
