scholarly journals Increasing the value of bird-habitat studies in tropical forests: choice of approach and habitat measures

2008 ◽  
Vol 18 (S1) ◽  
pp. S109-S124 ◽  
Author(s):  
David C. Lee ◽  
Stuart J. Marsden
Keyword(s):  
Tropical Forests ◽  
Forest Type ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Alternative Methods ◽  
Design Quality ◽  
Lowland Forest ◽  
Individual Bird ◽  
Bird Habitat ◽  
Structural Variables ◽  
Habitat Variables

AbstractAn important component of many conservation studies is the assessment of bird-habitat relationships, but limited resources often lead to constraints on study design, quality and quantity of bird data, and restrict the number and types of habitat variables gathered. The aim of this study was to identify habitat features that were both relatively easy and quick to collect and powerful in identifying bird-habitat relationships. We also discuss some issues with our study and alternative approaches that may help in future bird-habitat studies in tropical forests. Twenty-four habitat measures representing geographical (e.g. altitude, topography, X and Y coordinates), vegetation structure (e.g. tree sizes), and tree floristics (abundance of 28 indicator tree species) features were collected in association with bird presence/absence data from point transects within a 1,500 ha Philippine lowland forest. We used hierarchical partitioning of regression analyses to assess which of these geographical and structural variables along with four floristics axes derived from DECORANA were the most important variables for explaining the occurrence of individual bird species and guilds. The ten most powerful variables for a range of bird species included seven geographical and three floristic variables, while the ten least important were all structural variables. There were differences in importance of individual variables across guilds, with, for example, floristics very important in canopy frugivores, and geographical variables more important for upperstorey gleaning insectivores. We stress the importance of geographical variables in linking birds to habitat at this local scale, but also suggest that efforts are made to collect some floristics data, perhaps a subset of species that represent resources for birds (e.g. Ficus spp.), people's use of the forest (e.g. dipterocarps), and indicators of forest type. While the habitat variables and approach in this study adequately identified bird-habitat relationships for most species, we suggest improvements and alternative methods that may improve results in other studies.

scholarly journals The conservation status of key bird species on Taliabu and the Sula Islands, Indonesia

1995 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-20 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Davidson ◽  
Tony Stones ◽  
Rob Lucking
Keyword(s):  
Forest Type ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Type Specimen ◽  
Montane Forest ◽  
Restricted Range ◽  
Lowland Forest ◽  
Lowland Forests ◽  
First Time ◽  
Near Threatened

SummaryOrnithological surveys were conducted over a seven-week period on Taliabu, Sula Islands, Indonesia in 1991, concentrating on eight species (seven of which have restricted ranges) considered (in 1991) to be threatened and six species (two of which have restricted ranges) considered near-threatened. All of the restricted-range species are dependent on lowland forest, although most persist in secondary habitats, and some also occur in montane forest. Tyto nigrobrunnea was recorded for the first time since the type-specimen was collected in 1938, and is perhaps the most threatened of all the restricted-range birds. Megapodius bernsteinii, Pitta dohertyi, Rhinomyias colonus, Basilornis galeatus and Streptocitta albertinae are threatened in the longer term, primarily by habitat loss. Both Coracina schistacea and C. sula are able to persist in all but the most degraded of habitats. Of the two restricted-range species considered near-threatened, Zoothera erythronota is at greatest risk on Taliabu, apparently restricted to lowland forests. The other, Ptilinopus subgularis, is common in lowland forest and also occurs in montane forest. Little primary lowland forest was found in the areas visited on the island, and identifying remaining areas of this forest type and its relative importance to the birds, especially restricted-range species, should be given highest priority in further surveys. The suitability of a proposed reserve area on the island was evaluated: a larger area of lowland forest than is currently proposed should be afforded protection in order to safeguard the island's characteristic avifauna.

scholarly journals Bird communities in a degraded forest biodiversity hotspot of East Africa

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Moses Mulwa ◽  
Mike Teucher ◽  
Werner Ulrich ◽  
Jan Christian Habel
Keyword(s):  
Tropical Forests ◽  
Agricultural Land ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Bird Communities ◽  
Natural Forest ◽  
Tree Plantations ◽  
Agricultural Fields ◽  
Degraded Forest ◽  
Forest Patches ◽  
Small Forest

AbstractTropical forests suffer severe habitat destruction. Thus, tropical forests frequently consist today of only a few small remnants that are often embedded within a matrix of agricultural fields and tree plantations. Forest specialist species have experienced severe population declines under these circumstances. We studied bird communities based on census plots set up in a near-natural forest block, as well as degraded forest patches, tree plantations, and agricultural fields, across the Taita Hills in southern Kenya. We classified each bird species according its ecology and behavior. We quantified the land cover and landscape configuration around each census plot. Typical forest species were mainly observed in the near-natural forest block, and to a lower extent in degraded forest patches. Plantations were almost devoid of birds. Bird communities of small forest fragments were more similar to that of agricultural land than the near-natural forest block. Most frugivorous, insectivorous and nectarivorous birds occurred in forest habitats, while granivorous bird species dominated the bird communities of agricultural land. The surrounding landscape had a marginal impact on bird species composition at local sites. Our study showed that the preservation of near-natural cloud forest, including small forest patches, is essential for the conservation of forest-dependent species, and that plantations do not serve as surrogate habitats.

The consequences of selective logging for Bornean lowland forest birds

1992 ◽  
Vol 335 (1275) ◽  
pp. 443-457 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Population Dynamics ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Selective Logging ◽  
Forest Birds ◽  
Primary Forest ◽  
Bird Conservation ◽  
Lowland Forest ◽  
Dipterocarp Forest ◽  
Logged Forest ◽  
Lowland Dipterocarp Forest

In lowland dipterocarp forest in Sabah, Malaysia, most primary forest bird species were present in areas selectively logged eight years previously. However, certain taxa, notably flycatchers, woodpeckers, trogons and wren-babblers, became comparatively rare. In contrast, nectarivorous and opportunistic frugivorous species were significantly more abundant. Few species appeared to change foraging height, but netting rates suggest that the activity of some species had increased, or that some birds ranged over larger areas after logging. Although there is still much to be learned about the survival of birds in logged forest, large areas of this habitat are important for bird conservation. However, the susceptibility of logged forest to fire, and our present incomplete understanding of bird behaviour and population dynamics in logged forests mean that they should not be considered by conservationists as alternatives to reserves of primary forest.

scholarly journals An Application of Non-Parametric Method and Simple Linear Regression in Rainfall Partitioning in Tropical Lowland Forest of Sepilok Forest Reserve, Sabah

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Maznah Mahali ◽  
Shazrul Azwan Johari ◽  
Siti Rahayu Mohd Hashim ◽  
Reuben Nilus ◽  
Hafizan Juahir ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Linear Regression ◽  
Stand Structure ◽  
Forest Type ◽  
Parametric Method ◽  
Simple Linear Regression ◽  
Lowland Forest ◽  
Forest Reserve ◽  
Lowland Tropical Forest ◽  
Heath Forest ◽  
Alluvial Forest

This study was conducted in the alluvial forest and heath forest in the lowland tropical forest of Sepilok Forest Reserve, Sabah, Malaysia. The main objective was to assess how forest structure regulates rainfall partitioning in both forests. Field monitoring involved a series of forest inventory work to determine the forest stand characteristics. Mann Whitney U test was performed to compare physical characteristics between the two forests. Meanwhile rainfall partitioning was quantified by measuring the throughfall (Tf) for a period of 12 months in ten (15 x 15 m) Tf plots and a simple linear regression was conducted to obtain a regression model to estimate Tf. In terms of stand structure characteristics, data in the alluvial forest indicates wider variation. Percentage of Tf as of gross rainfall (Pg) is higher in the heath forest than in alluvial forest with the value of 89.5 % and 76.8 %, respectively. Representative trees were selected for stemflow (Sf) estimation at each forest type. The estimated Sf is 0.2 % in alluvial forest and 0.5 % in heath forest. In this study, tree diameter at breast height (Dbh) and height as well as aboveground biomass were identified to have some influence in Tf and Sf production. Keywords: rainfall partitioning; gross rainfall; throughfall; stemflow; Mann Whitney U; simple linear regression

scholarly journals KEANEKARAGAMAN JENIS BURUNG DI KAWASAN HUTAN LINDUNG GUNUNG SIRIMAU

2017 ◽  
Vol 1 (3) ◽  
pp. 247
Author(s):  
John F. Sahusilawane
Keyword(s):  
Bird Species ◽  
Bird Diversity ◽  
Mountain Forests ◽  
Point Count ◽  
Red Eye ◽  
Count Method ◽  
Protected Forests ◽  
Point Count Method ◽  
Habitat Variables

This study was conducted to determine the composition of bird diversity and vegetation stages and composition, to determine the variables that most influence the diversity of birds in protected forests Sirimau, This study was conducted for three months from September 2015 to November 2015. Bird observations and habitat variables performed using the Point Count method, and found thirty observation points at each location, with 30 cm trellis and 200 m plot distance. The analysis of birds and vegetation in Sirimau mountain forests shows that, bird species are dominated by Red Eye (Aplonis Motalica), and more than 50 species of vegetation exist in the research location, dominated by fruits.  

scholarly journals Tolerance to Human Presence, a Comparison between Rural and Urban Birds in Southeastern Brazil

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 1-4
Author(s):  
Maria Cecília Barbosa de Toledo
Keyword(s):  
Rural Areas ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Urban Environments ◽  
Southeastern Brazil ◽  
Special Focus ◽  
Forest Fragments ◽  
Urban Birds ◽  
Human Presence ◽  
Individual Bird

Green urban areas such as parks, squares, gardens, and forest fragments present a large diversity of uses and conservation objectives. These spaces provide resources for many species of birds that are confronted with the necessity of living in proximity to humans. It is assumed that bird species that acquire resources in urban environments live in a constant state of fear to guarantee survival and reproduction. In this context, the objective of this study was to evaluate the tolerance of birds with respect to human presence in two distinct conditions, rural areas (low level of human presence) and urban areas (high level of human presence). The fieldwork was conducted in a city in the Southeast region of Brazil, and the methodology used the alert distance and flight initiation measurements based on the approach of an observer to the individual bird being focused. Our results suggest that individuals observed in urban areas rely on shorter alert and escape distances, especially males, adults, and birds that forage in interspecific flocks. We discuss the challenges and strategies with respect to escape characteristics of urban birds, with special focus on the economic escape theory. In general, our results support those from studies conducted in other urban areas in different biogeographic regions, and they will aid in comprehending the impacts caused by the increase in urban areas around the world.

Habitat and fig characteristics influence the bird assemblage and network properties of fig trees from Xishuangbanna, South-West China

2009 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 161-170 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sawat Sanitjan ◽  
Jin Chen
Keyword(s):  
Forest Type ◽  
Fruit Size ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Frugivorous Birds ◽  
Open Forest ◽  
Canopy Volume ◽  
Frugivorous Bird ◽  
Network Properties ◽  
Fig Trees ◽  
Individual Trees

Abstract:To understand how fruit tree characteristics and microhabitats shape the assemblage of birds on fig trees and the pattern of fig–bird interactions, we observed and recorded, over 96 d and 816 h, the frugivorous birds visiting 32 individual trees belonging to 14 species of Ficus that were distributed across four different sites. A total of 30 bird species were recorded as eating figs, comprising 66.7% of the total number of frugivorous bird species recorded at the four sites. Small passerine birds such as bulbuls were the dominant frugivores for fig species. The number of bird species visiting different fig trees was significantly influenced by the crop size and canopy volume. Fruit colour and fruit size did not significantly influence the number of bird species, whereas habitats appeared to influence the composition of visiting birds. The fig–frugivorous bird interaction was asymmetrically structured, and the degree of nestedness appeared to be influenced by the forest type and degree of disturbance: the degree of nestedness in non-limestone forest tended to be higher than limestone forest; forest with less disturbance tend to be more nested compared with the open forest with high disturbance.

scholarly journals Coppice-with-standards in floodplain forests – a new subject for nature protection

2009 ◽  
Vol 55 (No. 7) ◽  
pp. 306-311 ◽  
Author(s):  
I. Machar
Keyword(s):  
Czech Republic ◽  
Forest Type ◽  
Historical Context ◽  
Floodplain Forests ◽  
Nature Protection ◽  
Final State ◽  
Lowland Forest ◽  
The Czech Republic ◽  
Natural Monument ◽  
Coppice With Standards

: At present, the coppice-with-standards system has become so rare in floodplain forests that it is considered a natural monument. In 1990, the coppice-with-standards system was not recorded in the territory of the Czech Republic. This state contradicts the increasing interest of nature protection organizations in the relict remainders of the coppice-with-standards system, which is to be considered the closest to naturally preserved lowland forest type, and is, therefore, recommended as the final state of the biocentres and biocorridors in today’s floodplain forests. The aim of this paper is to present the results of the inventory dealing with the present occurrence of the coppice-with-standards system in the floodplain forest of the Litovelské Pomoraví Protected Landscape Area (PLA) in a historical context.

Fig-eating by birds in a Malaysian lowland rain forest

1989 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 401-412 ◽  
Author(s):  
Frank Lambert
Keyword(s):  
Rain Forest ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Peninsular Malaysia ◽  
Forest Site ◽  
Lowland Forest ◽  
Lowland Rain Forest

ABSTRACTSixty bird species ate the figs of 29 Ficus taxa at a lowland forest site in Peninsular Malaysia. Although most bird-eaten figs were brightly coloured, four Ficus species produced dull-coloured ripe fruits. Whilst there was tremendous overlap in the sizes of figs eaten by different bird species, data presented show that the fig resource was partitioned by birds. Large birds were commoner visitors to large-fruited Ficus, but small birds tended to eat small figs. Within two avian genera, the Treron pigeons and Megalaima barbets, there was distinct partitioning of figs consumed according to fig size.

Forest structure, floristic composition and soils of an Amazonian monodominant forest on maracá Island, Roraima, Brazil

1997 ◽  
Vol 54 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-38 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. T. Nascimento ◽  
J Proctor ◽  
D. M. Villela
Keyword(s):  
Forest Type ◽  
Basal Area ◽  
Floristic Composition ◽  
Abundant Species ◽  
Forest Types ◽  
Canopy Layer ◽  
Lowland Forest ◽  
Low Concentrations ◽  
Density Values ◽  
Set Up

Maracá is a riverine island located in the Rio Uraricoera in Roraima State (Brazil) and has an area of about 100,000ha. A forest type dominated by Peltogyne gracilipes Ducke (Caesalpiniaceae) occurs on Maracá Island on a range of soil types. This study compares the structure, floristic composition and soils of the Peltogyne forest with the most widespread lowland forest type on Maracá. Three 0.25ha plots were set up in each of three forest types: Peltogyne-rich forest (PRF), Peltogyne-pooi forest (PPF) and forest without Peltogyne (FWP). Within each plot all trees (≤ 10cm dbh) were recorded. Seedlings and saplings were sampled in subplots of 2m × 1m (seedlings) and 4m × 4m (saplings). In the PPF and FWP, Sapotaceae were the most important family with the highest relative dominance and relative density values. Caesalpiniaceae showed high values in the PRF and PPF. Licania kunthiana, Pradosia surinamensis and Simarouba amara occurred in the canopy layer in all the forest types. Peltogyne dominated the canopy in the PRF and comprised 20% of stems and 53% of the total basal area of all trees ≥ 10cm dbh, and 91% of the stems and 97% of the total basal area of individuals ≥ 50cm dbh. In PPF, Lecythis corrugata and Tetragastris panamensis were the most abundant species, followed by Peltogyne. In the FWP the most abundant trees (≥ 10cm dbh) were Licania kunthiana and Pradosia surinamensis. In all forest types, the soils were sandy and acid with low concentrations of extractable phosphorus and exchangeable cations, but the soils under PRF were notably richer in magnesium.

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