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<p>Understanding the adaptive strategies of species in extreme environments is crucial for biodiversity conservation. This study is the first to explore the nesting behavior of the dusky crag martin in the Thar Desert, Rajasthan. It examined the bird’s nest site selection, nesting frequency, and construction methods. Soil samples from nest sites and source locations were analyzed to identify structural and elemental properties. The birds adopt several strategies, such as aligning its nesting period with the monsoon, reusing nests, and utilizing macro-level additive construction techniques. Detailed analysis revealed a preference for cohesionless sand with low moisture and higher Soil Organic Carbon content. The bird strategically alternates light and dark soil layers in its nest. Structural and elemental analyses using optical microscopy and X-ray Fluorescence spectroscopy, respectively, show that the light layers are rich in calcium oxide and fibrous material, and dark layers contain higher iron oxide and partially decomposed litter from <i>Prosopis cineraria</i>. The study concludes that alternating calcium-rich and iron-rich layers enhances structural integrity, and possibly plays a role in pathogen resistance in nest construction. This behavior underscores the evolutionary adaptations of dusky crag martin to the extreme desert environment. </p>

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From desert to design: adaptive nesting of dusky crag martin (Ptyonoprogne concolor) and conservation implications

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年7月6日

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  • Manasi Mukherjee,
  • Aali Pant,
  • Kirti Sankhala,
  • Devavrath Sandeep,
  • M. B. Tanmaya,
  • Mitali Mukerji

摘要

Understanding the adaptive strategies of species in extreme environments is crucial for biodiversity conservation. This study is the first to explore the nesting behavior of the dusky crag martin in the Thar Desert, Rajasthan. It examined the bird’s nest site selection, nesting frequency, and construction methods. Soil samples from nest sites and source locations were analyzed to identify structural and elemental properties. The birds adopt several strategies, such as aligning its nesting period with the monsoon, reusing nests, and utilizing macro-level additive construction techniques. Detailed analysis revealed a preference for cohesionless sand with low moisture and higher Soil Organic Carbon content. The bird strategically alternates light and dark soil layers in its nest. Structural and elemental analyses using optical microscopy and X-ray Fluorescence spectroscopy, respectively, show that the light layers are rich in calcium oxide and fibrous material, and dark layers contain higher iron oxide and partially decomposed litter from Prosopis cineraria. The study concludes that alternating calcium-rich and iron-rich layers enhances structural integrity, and possibly plays a role in pathogen resistance in nest construction. This behavior underscores the evolutionary adaptations of dusky crag martin to the extreme desert environment.