backend=biber, style=numeric, sorting=none ]biblatex Similarities and differences in breeding ecology between two widely separated populations of Abdim’s Storks (Ciconia abdimii)

An understanding of the ecological differences between disparate wildlife populations is important for determining different drivers of population change, especially for migratory species. We studied and compared the breeding ecology of two populations of Abdim’s Storks (Tigray Region, Ethiopia, and Bauchi State, Nigeria) separated by over 3,000 km. The breeding phenology of both populations was highly synchronised, with no statistical difference between nest initiation dates. The frequency of nest initiation and timing of fledging were not related to daily rainfall in either country, somewhat dispelling the traditional view that Abdim’s Stork nesting is closely tied with the rains. However, earlier nest initiation significantly increased the probability of fledging at least one nestling. Fledging rates and productivity were significantly higher in rural Nigeria than urban Ethiopia, which may be explained by high human disturbance at Ethiopian nests. This first comparative study on widely separated breeding populations of Abdim’s Storks demonstrate important similarities and differences in breeding outcomes, and highlight the need for further comparative studies at the population and range level. Information & Authors Information Version history Copyright This work is licensed under a Non Exclusive No Reuse License.

Authors Metrics & Citations Metrics Article Usage 196views 105downloads Citations Download citation Abadi Mehari Abrha, Paul Apeverga, Samuel Ivande, et al. backend=biber, style=numeric, sorting=none ]biblatex Similarities and differences in breeding ecology between two widely separated populations of Abdim’s Storks (Ciconia abdimii). Authorea. 06 September 2025. DOI: https://doi.org/10.22541/au.175714572.26221554/v1 DOI: https://doi.org/10.22541/au.175714572.26221554/v1 If you have the appropriate software installed, you can download article citation data to the citation manager of your choice. Simply select your manager software from the list below and click Download. For more information or tips please see 'Downloading to a citation manager' in the Help menu.