White Storks nest at high densities near landfills changing stork nesting distributions in the last four decades in Central Spain.

The article investigates how landfills have influenced the distribution and nesting density of the breeding population of White Storks (Ciconia ciconia) over the last four decades in the province of Madrid, Central Spain. Using historical and recent census data, the study found that White Storks increasingly nest near landfills regardless of traditional habitat quality, leading to higher nest densities close to these anthropogenic food sources since the 1980s. This shift has resulted in population growth and nesting in urban areas, potentially increasing human–wildlife conflicts and altering public perception of the species. The authors suggest that the planned closure of landfills under European legislation offers an opportunity to mitigate these effects, but emphasize the need for gradual transition and habitat quality assessment to prevent a sharp decline in the White Stork population.