# The Role of Campus as an Urban Multiuse Protected Area in Bird Nocturnal Roosting Habitat Function

## TL;DR

Campus green spaces serve as important nocturnal habitats for birds, with preferences for certain tree species and seasonal changes in roosting behavior.

## Contribution

This study reveals how campus green spaces function as nocturnal roosting habitats and identifies specific tree species and seasonal patterns that influence bird behavior.

## Key findings

- Birds prefer Ficus concinna and Ficus virens for roosting due to dense foliage and concealment.
- Roosting patterns are more dispersed in summer and concentrated in autumn and winter.
- Thermal hotspots indicate higher bird activity in summer compared to other seasons.

## Abstract

Campus green spaces are vital components of urban green infrastructure, providing crucial habitats for wildlife, especially birds, in fragmented urban environments. However, their role in supporting nocturnal bird habitats remains underexplored. This study investigates nocturnal bird roosting habitat selection in the green spaces of a university campus in western China. The seasonal surveys were conducted along fixed routes to track the distribution of birds' nocturnal roosts on campus. Infrared hotspots were detected using thermal imaging night‐vision cameras. Roosting tree species were identified, and roosting point heights were estimated visually. The survey results identified eight nocturnal roosting sites and common campus vegetation, which were used for in‐depth analysis of bird roosting habitat characteristics. The study found that: (1) Campus birds preferred Ficus concinna and Ficus virens (93% selection rate), especially those with dense foliage and high concealment. (2) Birds showed seasonal variations in their roosting positions. In summer, they were more dispersed, while in autumn and winter, they concentrated vertically. Horizontally, they preferred the outer ends of branches away from the trunk. (3) The number of infrared (thermal) hotspots corresponding to birds' nighttime roosts was significantly higher in summer than in the other seasons. Based on these findings, the paper proposes strategies to optimize campus green space management, including the targeted planting of tree species, adjustments to vegetation structure, and the reduction of excessive branching to enhance nocturnal roosting sites. This research offers valuable insights into the nocturnal behavior of urban birds and provides practical recommendations for urban planners and conservationists to promote biodiversity‐friendly urban design and management policies.

Campus green spaces are essential for providing critical nocturnal habitats, playing a key role in supporting urban bird species in fragmented environments. Seasonal variations significantly influence nocturnal bird roosting site selection, with birds adapting their roosting patterns to changing environmental conditions throughout the year. Nocturnal birds preferentially select Ficus species with dense foliage and high concealment, which provide enhanced shelter and protection from predators. In summer, birds exhibit more dispersed roosting patterns to optimize microclimate conditions, while in autumn and winter, they concentrate in more sheltered, secure areas. To support nocturnal roosting, campuses should retain tree branches of varying sizes and heights, maintain diverse vegetation, and minimize disturbances.