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Abstract
Urbanization is rapidly transforming natural habitats, compelling species to adapt to novel and dynamic landscapes. Wading birds in particular present a unique opportunity to promote coexistence between wildlife and humans in shared urban spaces because of their limited involvement in human-wildlife conflicts and their general acceptance by the public. This dissertation aimed at filling the gaps in the urban ecology and human dimensions of an abundant wading bird in south Florida so more informed conservation strategies can be used to promote coexistence between wading birds and humans in urban areas. Critical aspects of post-fledging movement, habitat selection, pathogen exposure, and human-wildlife interactions were examined on White Ibis (Eudocimus albus) in south Florida. Using high-resolution GPS tracking, juvenile ibises from two urban colonies were monitored during their post-fledging period. Analyses revealed distinct movement patterns, with individuals alternating between resident movement and broader exploratory nomadic patterns. Concurrently, targeted pathogen assessments demonstrated a significant prevalence of waterborne bacteria, specifically Vibrio and Salmonella, among fledglings and in their natal colonies. These findings suggest that urban landscapes may facilitate recurring cycles of infection and reinfection, positioning juvenile ibises as potential transporters for pathogen transmission between human-dominated and natural ecosystems without significant impacts on mortality as suggested by survival models. Additionally, a survey was deployed to south Florida residents to explore the motivations behind supplementary feeding of ibises. Results indicated that approximately one-third of respondents engage in feeding practices, driven primarily by personal enjoyment, companionship, and stress relief, despite limited awareness of the ecological repercussions. Such practices may inadvertently alter natural foraging behaviors and elevate pathogen exposure, thereby impacting urban ibis population health and ecology. This study offers a comprehensive framework for understanding how urbanization shapes the ecology of ibises. By bridging movement ecology, disease dynamics, and human dimension studies, this research provides critical insights for developing management strategies aimed at fostering sustainable coexistence between humans and urban-adapted wading birds.