scholarly journals Suitability of open digital species records for assessing biodiversity patterns in cities: a case study using avian records

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Marufa Sultana ◽  
Ilse Storch
Keyword(s):  
Urban Areas ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Grid Cell ◽  
Digital Data ◽  
Linear Regression Models ◽  
Biodiversity Patterns ◽  
Case Examples ◽  
Online Platforms ◽  
Bird Richness ◽  
Resident Bird

Abstract Openly available species observation records on various online platforms achieve good coverage in urban areas. Thus, such digital data could provide a basis for biodiversity assessments in cities. Here, we investigated suitability of open digital species occurrence data, compared with systematically field surveyed data, in Freiburg, Germany (a Western city) and Dhaka, Bangladesh (a global-South city). We focused on resident bird species richness as an indicator of local biodiversity. We collected avian records for urban areas from ‘ornitho.de’ in Freiburg and ‘gbif.org’ in Dhaka. Additionally, we conducted point count surveys at several urban locations in both cities. Using these records, we prepared three grid (cell size 250 m × 250 m) based datasets—open digital dataset (i.e. records compiled from well-surveyed grid cells), field surveyed dataset (i.e. records of systematic bird surveys) and combined dataset (i.e. digital data and field data combined). We compared the relationship of resident bird richness with different habitat factors by applying linear regression models, separately using each of the three datasets. We assessed suitability of data from online platforms by comparing the variables retained after model selection based on digital data versus field surveyed data. We found that field surveyed data and combined data did not alter general understanding of the key driving factors of bird richness patterns we obtained from open digital data. This held for both case examples, Freiburg vs. Dhaka, respectively. This suggests that open digital data from well-surveyed urban locations can provide a suitable basis to assess drivers of biodiversity patterns within cities.

scholarly journals Avian species–area relationships indicate that towns are not different from natural areas

2018 ◽  
Vol 45 (4) ◽  
pp. 419-424 ◽  
Author(s):  
SIMONE FATTORINI ◽  
GIULIA LIN ◽  
CRISTINA MANTONI
Keyword(s):  
Species Richness ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Avian Species ◽  
Conservation Priorities ◽  
Natural Areas ◽  
Bird Richness ◽  
Negative Effect ◽  
Species Area ◽  
Human Density

SUMMARYUrban areas host many bird species, and urban species richness can be compared with that in natural areas using species–area relationships (SARs). We used a multimodel selection approach to investigate the influence of area, human population, elevation and climatic variables on species richness of breeding birds from 34 towns and 54 nature reserves in Italy. Using the linearized power function, area was identified as the most important correlate of avian species richness in both urban and natural areas. The SARs did not differ significantly between towns and reserves, although human density had a negative effect on bird richness. These findings underline the possible importance of urban areas in biodiversity conservation, but also stress that human density is a factor reducing species richness. However, species richness alone cannot inform conservation priorities because it does not take into account the different conservation values of species.

scholarly journals Bird diversity, composition and response during COVID-19 in an urban landscape, Jamalpur, Bangladesh

2021 ◽  
Vol 30 (2) ◽  
pp. 261-274
Author(s):  
Ashikur Rahman Shome ◽  
M Firoj Jaman ◽  
Md Fazle Rabbe ◽  
Md Mahabub Alam
Keyword(s):  
Relative Abundance ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Urban Landscape ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Summer Season ◽  
Free Movement ◽  
Bird Diversity ◽  
The World ◽  
Pycnonotus Cafer ◽  
Resident Bird

The world has been encountering a COVID-19 pandemic since late 2019. The world’s people have also witnessed the free movement of wildlife, even in many urban areas in some countries during the imposed lockdown. We conducted research on the birds in the urban landscape of Jamalpur Sadar upazila from March 2020 to October 2020 during this pandemic situation. A total of 134 species of birds with 4338 individuals were recorded during the study period. The number of resident bird species was the maximum (115 species, 85.82%) compared to migrants. The highest number of birds was observed (120 species, 89.55%) and counted 2278 individual birds 52.51%) in the summer season. It was observed that the highest diversity of birds (89 species, 65.92%) was in March. The tree was the most (94 species, n = 2502) used microhabitat by birds in the study area. Among all birds, Pycnonotus cafer was the most abundant bird species with the highest relative abundance (6.11%). Some bird species (e.g. Metopidius indicus, Anastomus oscitans, Amaurornis phoenicurus, Streptopelia tranquebarica, Lonchura malacca) were frequently observed in the urban landscape of the study area during the pandemic. Proper management and awareness creation are essential for the conservation of the bird species in this area. Dhaka Univ. J. Biol. Sci. 30(2): 261-274, 2021 (July)

scholarly journals Weak Effects of Owned Outdoor Cat Density on Urban Bird Richness and Abundance

Land ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 507
Author(s):  
Genevieve C. Perkins ◽  
Amanda E. Martin ◽  
Adam C. Smith ◽  
Lenore Fahrig
Keyword(s):  
Urban Areas ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Lethal Effect ◽  
Bird Communities ◽  
Domestic Cats ◽  
Urban Birds ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Bird Populations ◽  
Bird Richness ◽  
Urban Bird

Domestic cats (Felis catus) are ubiquitous predators of birds in urban areas. In addition to the lethal effect of predation, there can also be sublethal, negative effects of domestic cats on individual birds. These effects have led to the inference that reducing outdoor cat densities would benefit urban bird communities. Here we estimate the likely result of policies/programs designed to reduce densities of owned outdoor cats in urban areas, estimating relationships between bird richness/abundance and cat densities across 58 landscapes in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. We estimate that we would most likely observe one additional bird species, and 0.003 additional individuals per species, if policies/programs reduced owned outdoor cat densities to zero in an average landscape in Ottawa (with 130.2 cats/km2). However, these effects of cat density on birds were uncertain, with 95% confidence intervals crossing zero. Our findings—in combination with those of previous studies—suggest a need for research to resolve the apparent disconnect between the strong, negative effects of cats on individual urban birds and the weak, uncertain effects of cats on bird populations. Although measures that reduce owned outdoor cat densities are justified based on the precautionary principle, evidence to date does not support prioritizing these measures over those addressing threats that have consistently strong effects on bird populations.

scholarly journals Using Bayesian Belief Networks to assess the influence of landscape connectivity on ecosystem service trade-offs and synergies in urban landscapes in the UK

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
James D. Karimi ◽  
Jim A. Harris ◽  
Ron Corstanje
Keyword(s):  
Functional Connectivity ◽  
Ecosystem Service ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Landscape Connectivity ◽  
Structural Characteristics ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Bayesian Belief Networks ◽  
Belief Networks ◽  
Patch Area ◽  
Trade Offs

Abstract Context Landscape connectivity is assumed to influence ecosystem service (ES) trade-offs and synergies. However, empirical studies of the effect of landscape connectivity on ES trade-offs and synergies are limited, especially in urban areas where the interactions between patterns and processes are complex. Objectives The objectives of this study were to use a Bayesian Belief Network approach to (1) assess whether functional connectivity drives ES trade-offs and synergies in urban areas and (2) assess the influence of connectivity on the supply of ESs. Methods We used circuit theory to model urban bird flow of P. major and C. caeruleus at a 2 m spatial resolution in Bedford, Luton and Milton Keynes, UK, and Bayesian Belief Networks (BBNs) to assess the sensitivity of ES trade-offs and synergies model outputs to landscape and patch structural characteristics (patch area, connectivity and bird species abundance). Results We found that functional connectivity was the most influential variable in determining two of three ES trade-offs and synergies. Patch area and connectivity exerted a strong influence on ES trade-offs and synergies. Low patch area and low to moderately low connectivity were associated with high levels of ES trade-offs and synergies. Conclusions This study demonstrates that landscape connectivity is an influential determinant of ES trade-offs and synergies and supports the conviction that larger and better-connected habitat patches increase ES provision. A BBN approach is proposed as a feasible method of ES trade-off and synergy prediction in complex landscapes. Our findings can prove to be informative for urban ES management.

Modelling bird richness and bird species presence in a boreal forest reserve using airborne laser-scanning and aerial images

Bird Study ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 61 (2) ◽  
pp. 204-219 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katrine Eldegard ◽  
John Wirkola Dirksen ◽  
Hans Ole Ørka ◽  
Rune Halvorsen ◽  
Erik Næsset ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Boreal Forest ◽  
Laser Scanning ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Airborne Laser Scanning ◽  
Aerial Images ◽  
Forest Reserve ◽  
Airborne Laser ◽  
Bird Richness

Diversity, status and habitat usage of avifauna at sadar upazila, magura, Bangladesh

2021 ◽  
Vol 48 (2) ◽  
pp. 441-456
Author(s):  
Ashikur Rahman Shome ◽  
Md Mahabub Alam ◽  
Md Fazle Rabbe ◽  
Mohammad Mijanur Rahman ◽  
Mohammad Firoj Jaman
Keyword(s):  
Rural Areas ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Winter Season ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Diversity Indices ◽  
Habitat Diversity ◽  
Seasonal Abundance ◽  
Line Transect ◽  
Common Myna ◽  
Rural And Urban

A study on diversity, status, and habitat preference of avifauna was conducted from November 2017 to October 2018 in Magura Sadar upazila, Magura. Data was collected through direct field observations using line-transect method. Field surveys were made for three days per month in both rural and urban sites. A total of 140 species of birds belonged to 18 orders and 48 families were reported. Among the total species, 55% (77 species) were non-passerines and 45% (63 species) passerines with the highest individuals were counted under order Passeriformes. Resident bird species were dominant (106 species, 75.71%) over migratory (34 species, 24.28%) species. Species richness was the highest in the rural areas (124 species, 88.57%) and occurrence was the highest in winter season (97 species, 69.29%). The maximum species were recorded from trees (87 species, 62.14%) as preferred habitat. In this study, in total 4,060 individuals of birds were counted and among them, 51.55% (n=2093) were observed in the rural areas and 48.45% (n=1967) were in the urban areas. The highest number of birds was found in December (10.34%, n=432) and seasonal abundance was the highest in winter (40.15%, n=1630). Abundance was the highest for Common Myna (5.76%, n=234) among all recorded species. Diversity indices showed that the bird species were the most diverse in the rural areas in the winter season and in July. Habitat diversity indices were the highest for trees and birds used different types of habitats at different times for roosting, breeding and feeding. Regarding the observation status, 29.28% species was very common, 4.28% common, 31.42% fairly common, and 35% were few. This baseline data indicate that this study site is significant from the ecological and conservation point of views. Therefore, further research is necessary to understand how this avian diversity is maintained in this ecological setting. Bangladesh J. Zool. 48(2): 441-456, 2020

scholarly journals Bird richness and composition in a Cerrado fragment in the State of São Paulo

2010 ◽  
Vol 70 (2) ◽  
pp. 243-254 ◽  
Author(s):  
LT Manica ◽  
M Telles ◽  
MM Dias
Keyword(s):  
Conservation Status ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Low Frequency ◽  
Bird Community ◽  
Sao Paulo ◽  
The State ◽  
São Paulo ◽  
Conservation Area ◽  
Tropical Regions ◽  
Bird Richness

Bird species richness is an important measure for monitoring biodiversity changes. We analysed avifauna richness and composition in a 472 ha protected cerrado fragment and surroundings at Fazenda Canchim (RL-CPPSE), São Carlos, in the State of São Paulo (SP). We carried out 95.1 hours of observation (22 visits) at irregular intervals from May 2004 to December 2006. Qualitative surveys were done walking through tracks inside the fragment and on the roads at its edge. We recorded 160 species, six of which were endemic to Cerrado domain, 22 migratory, seven threatened within the State of São Paulo, and two globally threatened. We found 28 species in the cerradão, 110 in the cerrado sensu stricto, 13 in the gallery forest, 26 in the reservoir border, 26 in pasturelands and sugar cane monoculture and 55 in an anthropic area. Most of the species had low frequency of occurrence in all vegetation forms. Insectivores were the major trophic category (46.9%), which is typical in tropical regions, and it is also related to resource availability. Omnivores followed with 19.4%, granivores with 8.8% and frugivores with 7.5%. We conclude that, despite its size and conservation status, our study area has a remarkable bird community and must be considered as a priority conservation area to preserve bird species in Sao Paulo State.

scholarly journals Rise-Up mist-netting (RUM): a mobile protocol for trapping wary territorial birds

2021 ◽  
Vol 61 ◽  
pp. e20216110
Author(s):  
Paulo Sérgio Amorim ◽  
Mariana Fonseca Rossi ◽  
André de Camargo Guaraldo
Keyword(s):  
Urban Area ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
General Public ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Breeding Period ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Limited Space ◽  
Trapping Methods ◽  
Visual Impacts

Many bird species avoid traditional traps such as mist nets, thus alternative trapping methods are often needed. The Rufous Hornero (Furnariidae: Furnarius rufus) is one such species that was captured so far using conventional mist netting in rural areas or using nest-targeted traps, which risk nest damage and abandonment. Here we describe the novel rise-up mist-netting (RUM) protocol and its catchability for the wary and territorial Rufous Hornero in an urban area. The RUM trap allowed us quickly capturing 40 Rufous Hornero individuals even in paved parking lots and streets during the bird’s breeding period. The RUM is an active and targeted protocol that demands a single and quickly trainable field assistant. Therefore, it should also enable the capture of many understudied territorial but wary species. Moreover, it has enough mobility to fit studies in urban areas, and whenever researchers may deal with limited space and, at the same time, should reduce negative visual impacts to the general public of birds’ capturing and banding procedures.

scholarly journals Analysis of Spatial Distribution of PM2.5 and Human Behavior on Air Pollution in Jakarta

2021 ◽  
Vol 940 (1) ◽  
pp. 012018
Author(s):  
K I Solihah ◽  
D N Martono ◽  
B Haryanto
Keyword(s):  
Air Pollution ◽  
Spatial Distribution ◽  
Human Behavior ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Air Pollution Control ◽  
Linear Regression Models ◽  
Raising Awareness ◽  
Knowledge And Attitude ◽  
The Government

Abstract Particulate matter is one of the threatening pollutants harmful to health. Currently, many researchers focus on the problem of PM2.5 concentrations in urban areas. This study aims to estimate the spatial distribution of PM2.5, and identify human behavior on air pollution in Jakarta. The method used were Spline with Tension to build the PM2.5 models, and multiple linear regression models to analyze human behavior on air pollution. The results showed that the annual average of PM2.5 in the last two years tends to be high in western, southern, and eastern parts of Jakarta. In addition, there was a decrease of PM2.5 concentration in 2020 compared to 2019 assumed as a result of Covid-19 Pandemic restrictions. Besides, analysis results showed a significant association between knowledge and attitude aspects on the action aspect. Based on descriptive analysis, people have good knowledge of air pollution and also concern to reduce air pollution. However, the actions for air pollution control are still not maximized which may cause high PM2.5 concentrations in Jakarta. We conclude that to reduce air pollution, the government should focus on the border areas of Jakarta and it can be done by increasing public knowledge and raising awareness for air pollution.

scholarly journals THE “URBAN GEOLOGY” PROJECT OF IGME: THE CASE STUDY OF NAFPLIO, ARGOLIS PREFECTURE, GREECE

2017 ◽  
Vol 43 (3) ◽  
pp. 1528
Author(s):  
P. I Tsombos ◽  
A.D. Zervakou
Keyword(s):  
Land Use Planning ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Mineral Exploration ◽  
Community Support ◽  
Pilot Project ◽  
Field Work ◽  
Digital Data ◽  
Digital Products ◽  
Essential Knowledge ◽  
Surrounding Areas

The Institute of Geology and Mineral Exploration of Greece (I.G.M.E.), in the framework of CSF 2000 – 2006 (Community Support Framework 2000-2006), implemented the pilot project “Collection, Codification and Documentation of geothematic information for urban and suburban areas in Greece - pilot applications”. Geological, geochemical, geophysical, geotechnical, hydrogeological and other geothematic data concerning the urban and surrounding areas of Drama (North Greece), Nafplio & Sparti (Peloponnese) and Thrakomakedones (Attica) were collected. Drillings, geological and neotectonic mapping and other “in situ” measurements and field work took place. All initial and derived analogical and digital data were compiled and processed in specially designed geo-databases in GIS Environment. The final results are presented in geothematic maps and other digital products (DEMs, 2D – 3D surfaces, geodatabases). Such data constitute the essential knowledge base for land use planning and environmental protection in specific urban areas. Through this pilot project, new scientific approaches, methodologies and standards were developed and improved in order to apply to other future projects concerning the major cities of the whole country.

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