Spatial analysis on the distribution of communal roosts of gray starlings (Sturnus cineraceus) and surrounding land uses in the Tokyo 23 special wards

Abstract

Gray starlings (Sturnus cineraceus) often roost communally in the built-up area, and the clouds of gray starlings often cause excessive noise and other problems. In order to solve these problems, the clarification of spatial relationships between roosts and surrounding land use are highly needed by local planners and residents. We surveyed the relationships between communal roosts of Gray Starlings and green spaces and also the relationships between the roosts and surrounding three-dimensional building structure in the 23 wards of Tokyo. We found that the roosts tented to locate near large green spaces and some roosts were surrounded by high-rise buildings.