India, May 16 -- A new scientific study has found that native vegetation in urban areas of Jodhpur plays a key role in helping ground-nesting birds survive and breed successfully. Researchers observed that plants and shrubs provide shelter, camouflage and food sources for birds such as the Indian Thick-knee and the Red-wattled Lapwing, allowing them to adapt to city environments despite growing urban development. The research was conducted by Ravi Kiran Arigela and Rajeev Kumar Singh of the Botanical Survey of India's Arid Zone Regional Centre in Jodhpur, along with Ruquaeya Bano of the Zoological Survey of India, Tarun Kathula from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and C. Sudhakar Reddy of the National Remote Sensing Centre. The findings were published in the journal Annales Universitatis Paedagogicae Cracoviensis - Studia Naturae. According to the study, the team closely monitored bird activity between 2022 and 2025 in a protected green campus in Jodhpur. They recorded nesting sites, breeding behaviour, and how birds interacted with surrounding vegetation. The research showed that both species rely heavily on plant cover to hide their nests and protect eggs and chicks from predators. The Indian Thick-knee, a ground-nesting bird that becomes active mainly at dusk and night, was found building simple nests on the ground beneath trees such as neem and khejri. The birds lay two to three camouflaged eggs between March and May. Researchers observed that dried leaves and natural ground cover help hide the eggs from predators like crows and other birds. The Red-wattled Lapwing, a common bird seen in open areas and near human settlements, was also found nesting in shallow pits on the ground. Both parents take turns incubating the eggs and guarding the nest. The study recorded several cases of strong parental defence, with birds loudly calling and chasing away predators such as stray dogs, crows and monitor lizards. Researchers also observed an interesting behaviour called double clutching in one pair of Red-wattled Lapwings. After losing their first set of eggs to predators, the birds moved slightly away and laid another clutch, which later hatched successfully. This behaviour may help the species recover from breeding losses caused by predators or environmental conditions. The study highlights that vegetation is critical not only for hiding nests but also for providing insects and other food for chicks. After seasonal rains, small plants and grasses grow quickly in the area, creating a rich feeding ground and offering additional cover for young birds. The researchers said the findings underline the importance of preserving native plants in cities, especially in arid regions like Rajasthan. Maintaining small green spaces with local vegetation can support birds....