scholarly journals Bird Functional Traits Respond to Forest Structure in Riparian Areas Undergoing Active Restoration

Diversity ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 90 ◽  
Author(s):  
Augusto Batisteli ◽  
Marcel Tanaka ◽  
Andréa Souza
Keyword(s):  
Forest Structure ◽  
Riparian Forest ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Tree Density ◽  
Grass Cover ◽  
Functional Categories ◽  
Tree Biomass ◽  
Forest Dependence ◽  
Nest Height ◽  
Canopy Depth

Monitoring wildlife responses is essential to assess restoration projects. Birds are widely used as bioindicators of ecosystem restoration, but most studies use only taxonomic descriptors to compare categories of reference and restoring sites. Here, we used forest structure as a continuous predictor variable to evaluate avifaunal taxonomic and functional indicators in riparian forest reference and restoration sites on southeastern Brazil. Reference sites were riparian forest remnants, and restoration sites were pasture before seedling reintroduction. Forest structure variables (mean tree height, canopy depth, mean diameter at breast height, basal area, tree layering, tree density, and grass cover) were reduced into two axes using a Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Forest Axis 1 (tree biomass vs. grass cover) and Forest Axis 2 (canopy depth vs. tree density). Bird species were classified in relation to five functional categories (i.e., diet, foraging stratum, nest height, cavity dependence for nesting, and forest dependence). Forest Axis 1 influenced the functional diversity of bird assemblages and the relative abundance within levels of each functional category (except for nest height). The relative abundance of all functional categories combined was also affected by Forest Axis 2. Therefore, forest structure affected the predominant functional traits of bird species in riparian sites under restoration. Sites with higher tree biomass were the richest, with canopy birds that were insectivores and frugivores of high forest dependence, whereas more open sites were associated with birds of low forest dependence and ground-foraging insectivores. Forest structures of similar-aged sites were strongly variable, due to natural and anthropic disturbances, so restoration age was a poor indicator of forest development. These unpredictable disturbances can change the development of sites under restoration, so that forest structure can be a better descriptor of the trajectory of these ecosystems.

scholarly journals Using Bioacoustics to Examine Vocal Phenology of Neotropical Migratory Birds on a Wild and Scenic River in Arizona

Birds ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 261-274
Author(s):  
Heather L. Bateman ◽  
Sidney B. Riddle ◽  
Erin S. Cubley
Keyword(s):  
Sonoran Desert ◽  
Migratory Birds ◽  
Riparian Forest ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Migratory Bird ◽  
Bird Diversity ◽  
Yellow Warbler ◽  
Habitat Features ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Vocal Activity

Passive acoustic recorders have been used successfully as automated survey tools to detect terrestrial wildlife. However, few studies have monitored Neotropical migratory bird use of riparian forest habitat using this technology. Within dryland ecosystems, the forests along rivers support high bird diversity. Many bird species of conservation concern require these floodplain forest habitats for foraging, migration stop-overs, and breeding. Few studies have explored the use of acoustic records in riverine systems designated for conservation for their natural resource value via the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act in the USA. Using acoustic recorders, we document vocal activity of four riparian-obligate species (Bell’s Vireo, Vireo bellii; Summer Tanager, Piranga rubra; Yellow Warbler, Setophaga petechial; and Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Coccyzus americanus) to determine species occurrence along a Wild and Scenic River. We established three study reaches along the perennial Lower Verde River, in the Sonoran Desert of central Arizona, USA. Nine acoustic recorders were used over the period of 80–120 days during the summer of 2018. We measured vegetation composition and structure in 100 m2 plots paired with acoustic recorders. Visualizing vocal activity showed that three species were calling and singing at each reach; whereas, one species, the cuckoo, had fewer recordings and occurred later in the summer. We demonstrate the utility of acoustic monitoring even when applied to rare birds in complex riparian habitats. This information is important for land management and conservation efforts concerning these species of interest and identifying important habitat features in Southwestern US riparian woodlands.

Relationship between Morphology and Trophic Ecology in an Assemblage of Passerine Birds in Riparian Forests of the Paraná River (Argentina)

2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 44-53 ◽  
Author(s):  
Virginia Quiroga ◽  
Rodrigo E. Lorenzón ◽  
Gisela Maglier ◽  
Ana L. Ronchi-Virgolini
Keyword(s):  
Trophic Ecology ◽  
Riparian Forest ◽  
A Priori ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Morphological Characteristics ◽  
Paraná River ◽  
Riparian Forests ◽  
Phylogenetic Constraint ◽  
Parana River ◽  
Coexisting Species

We describe the ecomorphology of an assemblage of bird species found in riparian forests of the Middle Paraná River, Argentina. We sought to determine (1) the more important morphological characteristics that separate coexisting species, (2) whether such separation was related to the trophic ecology of each species and (3) whether a priori guilds showed morphological similarity. We tested the hypotheses that (a) a species’ morphology is related to the trophic ecology of that species and (b) that species of a priori guilds are morphometrically more similar to each other than to species of different a priori guilds. For this, we considered an assemblage of 29 species of birds from riparian forest that were sampled with mist nets during the 2011 and 2014 breeding seasons. We obtained morphometric measurements of captured individuals and supplemented those data with measurements from museum specimens. Trophic characterisation (diet and trophic microhabitat) was based on a literature review. Results showed a separation of bird species as a function of variables related to trophic ecology (diets and trophic microhabitats) and morphology. After controlling for phylogenetic constraint, species’ morphology partially reflected the trophic ecology of the species, supporting the central hypothesis of the ecomorphological discipline and showing that the use of trophic and morphometric data provides complementary data to improve the guild organisation of riparian bird assemblages.

scholarly journals The importance of riparian forest for the maintenance of bird species richness in an Atlantic Forest remnant, southern Brazil

2007 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 1078-1086 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luiz dos Anjos ◽  
Graziele H. Volpato ◽  
Edson V. Lopes ◽  
Patrícia P. Serafini ◽  
Fabíola Poletto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atlantic Forest ◽  
Riparian Forest ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Southern Brazil ◽  
Forest Types ◽  
Forest Reserve ◽  
Bird Species Richness ◽  
Upland Forest ◽  
Point Counts ◽  
Forest Remnant

We compared the composition and guild structure of bird communities of riparian and upland forest in an Atlantic forest reserve, the Godoy State Park (GP), in northern Paraná State, southern Brazil. Unlimited distance point counts were sampled monthly from September-December 2001, along four trails. Two trails in upland forest (TA and TB) were parallel to each other and about 300 m apart. Two trails in riparian forest (TC and TD) were along the Apertados River, about 100 m away from the river. A total of 145 species were recorded: 81 species were recorded in both upland and riparian forests, 19 species were recorded only in upland forest and 45 species were recorded exclusively in riparian forest. Among the 81 species occurring in both forest types, 18 species had significantly higher numbers of contacts in the riparian forest while only 8 species had significantly higher numbers of contacts in the upland forest. Taking into account the contacts numbers of the species the large frugivores guild was closely associated to the upland forest, while bamboo and vine-tangles insectivore, canopy insectivores, edge omnivores, ground omnivore and midstory insectivores were those more closely related to the riparian forest.

scholarly journals Effects of proximity to urban areas on a riparian bird community in remnant Atlantic Forest in southeastern Brazil

2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (7) ◽  
pp. 1
Author(s):  
Ana Cecília de Paula Lourenço ◽  
Maria Cecília Barbosa de Toledo
Keyword(s):  
Urban Areas ◽  
Riparian Forest ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Bird Community ◽  
Habitat Characteristics ◽  
Southeastern Brazil ◽  
Average Height ◽  
Trophic Groups ◽  
Generalist Species ◽  
Canopy Opening

   The goal of this study was to evaluate the effect of urban activities on the structure and composition of a bird community in riparian forests in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. The study was carried out in seven areas of remnant riparian forest where fixed points have been established to sample bird species. Richness, diversity, abundance, frequency and trophic groups were used as metrics of the bird community. At each point measurements were taken for: (1) habitat characteristics: average height of trees, number of trees above 2m, number of shrubs <2m and the percentage of canopy opening; (2) neighborhood characteristics: closest distance from open areas, highways, urban areas, river and floodplain to the point of observation. The observations resulted in 88 species of birds belonging to 34 families. The most representative families were Tyrannidae, Thraupidae and Picidae. The most predominant trophic groups were insectivorous (54%), omnivorous (11.5%) and frugivorous (10.3%). The results obtained showed that the number of trees explained the variation in abundance, while the mean height of the trees explained variations in richness and frequency. Overall, the bird community was negatively affected by proximity of urban areas and highways. In conclusion, the community of birds in the riparian forest may be affected by the loss of trees above 2m and by urbanization, leading mainly to the replacement of species belonging to specialist trophic groups by generalist species and those more adjusted to human presence.

scholarly journals Spatial Variation in Bird Community Composition in Relation to Topographic Gradient and Forest Heterogeneity in a Central Amazonian Rainforest

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-25 ◽  
Author(s):  
Renato Cintra ◽  
Luciano N. Naka
Keyword(s):  
Forest Structure ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Bird Community ◽  
Avian Community ◽  
Landscape Features ◽  
Topographic Gradient ◽  
Significant Relationships ◽  
Amazonian Rainforest ◽  
Forest Streams ◽  
Composition Changes

We investigated the effects of landscape features and forest structure on the avian community at the Reserva Florestal Adolpho Ducke near Manaus, in the Brazilian Amazon. We sampled the landscape and forest in 72 50 × 50 m plots systematically distributed in the reserve, covering an area of 6,400 ha. The avifauna was sampled using mist nets and acoustic surveys near the plots. We found no significant relationships between landscape features and forest components in the plots and the number of bird species and individuals sampled. Results of Principal Coordinate Analyses, however, showed that bird species composition changes along a topographic gradient (plateau-slope-valley), and also in relation to leaf litter depth and distance to forest streams. We also found compositional differences in the avian community on the eastern and western water basins that compose the reserve. Our results suggest that although most bird species occur throughout the reserve, many species track differences in the landscape and the forest structure.

scholarly journals Bird Species Abundance and Diversity in Montane Forest Research Station, Jos, Plateau State

2021 ◽  
pp. 4014-4027
Author(s):  
Kambai Collina ◽  
Akwashiki Ombugadu ◽  
Apervega Paul Tersoo ◽  
Nanlir Janfa ◽  
Francis Mundi Junior ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Species Diversity ◽  
Diversity Index ◽  
Riparian Forest ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Montane Forest ◽  
Residential Area ◽  
Research Station ◽  
Forest Research ◽  
Habitat Types ◽  
Plateau State

Forest is the most significant habitat for birds by supporting around 75% of all bird species while only 45% of all bird species have adapted to humans modified habitats. The research was conducted in the Montane Forest Research Station, Jos, Plateau State, in other to determine the abundance, diversity and effect of habitat types on bird’s species diversity. Fifteen transects of 200m were laid in the three habitat types (riparian forest, farmland and residential area) using stratified random sampling method. The data collected were analysed using R console. Shannon Weiner diversity index was used to analyse species diversity while generalized linear model was used to determine the effect of the habitat variables on bird species diversity. The result showed a total number of 1466 individual birds belonging to 17 families and 60 bird species were sighted. The abundance of birds was highest in riparian forest (2252), farmland (1732) and Residential area (1094) with no significance difference (p=0.177). Species richness was higher in the riparian forest (57), farmland (49), and the residential area (44). It also revealed that bird diversity index was highly significant. Riparian forest had the highest diversity (4.77), and the species were more evenly distributed (0.6) as compared to the other habitat types. The higher the number of trees and canopy cover the higher the diversity of species as was observed in the riparian forest where forest species that weren’t seen in the other habitats were found. The farmland and residential areas also hold a considerable number of some generalist bird species due to some patches of vegetation found in the habitat. Therefore, conservation efforts should be directed towards keeping vegetation intact in human dominated areas, as it serves as repository for bird species which are ecologically important. Hence, planting trees (economic, fruit and ornamental) should be encouraged.

scholarly journals CHANGES IN SOIL MOISTURE AND RIPARIAN FOREST STRUCTURE AFTER A DAM CONSTRUCTION

2018 ◽  
Vol 73 (3) ◽  
pp. 250-260
Author(s):  
Vagner Santiago do Vale ◽  
Jamir Afonso Júnior ◽  
Sérgio Lopes ◽  
Carolina Arantes ◽  
Diego Raymundo Nascimento ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Soil Moisture ◽  
Forest Structure ◽  
Riparian Forest ◽  
Dam Construction

scholarly journals Decomposition and stabilization of organic matter in an old-growth tropical riparian forest: effects of soil properties and vegetation structure

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pedro Fernandes ◽  
Andrea Teixeira Souza ◽  
Marcel Tanaka ◽  
Renata Sebastiani
Keyword(s):  
Soil Properties ◽  
Forest Structure ◽  
Riparian Forest ◽  
Chemical Properties ◽  
Clay Content ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Decomposition Rates ◽  
Old Growth ◽  
Scale Factors ◽  
Stabilization Factor

Abstract Background: Nutrient cycling in tropical forests has a large importance for primary productivity, and decomposition of litterfall is a major process influencing nutrient balance in forest soils. Although large-scale factors strongly influence decomposition patterns, small-scale factors can have major influences, especially in old-growth forests that have high structural complexity and strong plant-soil correlations. Here we evaluated the effects of forest structure and soil properties on decomposition rates and stabilization of soil organic matter using the Tea Bag Index in an old-growth riparian forest in southeastern Brazil. These data sets were described separately using Principal Components Analysis (PCA). The main axes for each analysis, together with soil physical properties (clay content and soil moisture), were used to construct structural equations models that evaluated the different parameters of the TBI, decomposition rates and stabilization factor. The best model was selected using Akaike’s criterion.Results: Forest structure and soil physical and chemical properties presented large variation among plots within the studied forest. Clay content was strongly correlated with soil moisture and the first PCA axis of soil chemical properties, and model selection indicated that clay content was a better predictor than this axis. Decomposition rates presented a large variation among tea bags (0.009 and 0.098 g g-1 day-1) and were positively related with forest structure, as characterized by higher basal area, tree density and larger trees. The stabilization factor varied between 0.211 – 0.426 and was related to forest stratification and soil clay content.Conclusions: The old-growth forest studied presented high heterogeneity in both forest structure and soil properties at small spatial scales, that influenced decomposition processes and probably contributed to small-scale variation in nutrient cycling. Decomposition rates were only influenced by forest structure, whereas the stabilization factor was influenced by both forest structure and soil properties. Heterogeneity in ecological processes can contribute to the resilience of old-growth forests, highlighting the importance of restoration strategies that consider the spatial variation of ecosystem processes.

scholarly journals Dynamic multi-species occupancy models of birds of high-altitude grasslands in eastern South Africa

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
David H Maphisa ◽  
Hanneline Smit_Robinson ◽  
Res Altwegg
Keyword(s):  
High Altitude ◽  
Habitat Preferences ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Bird Diversity ◽  
Grass Cover ◽  
Occupancy Models ◽  
Occupancy Dynamics ◽  
Pumped Storage ◽  
Species Occupancy ◽  
High Altitude Grasslands

Moist, high-altitude grasslands of eastern South African harbour rich avian diversity and endemism. This area is also threatened by increasingly intensive agriculture and land conversion for energy production. This conflict is particularly evident at Ingula, an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area located within the least conserved high-altitude grasslands and which is also the site of a new Pumped Storage Scheme. The new management seeks to maximise biodiversity through manipulation of the key habitat variables: grass height and grass cover through burning and grazing to make habitat suitable for birds. However, different species have individual habitat preferences, which further vary through the season. We used a dynamic multi-species occupancy model to examine the seasonal occupancy dynamics of 12 common grassland bird species and their habitat preferences. We estimated monthly occupancy, colonisation and persistence in relation to grass height and grass cover throughout the summer breeding season of 2011/12. For majority of these species, at the beginning of the season occupancy increased with increasing grass height and decreased with increasing grass cover. Persistence and colonisation decreased with increasing grass height and cover. However, the 12 species varied considerably in their responses to grass height and cover. Our results suggest that management should aim to provide plots which vary in grass height and cover to maximise bird diversity. We also conclude that the decreasing occupancy with increasing grass cover and low colonisation with increasing grass height and cover is a results of little grazing on our study site. We further conclude some of the 12 selected species are good indicators of habitat suitability more generally because they represent a range of habitat needs and are relatively easy to monitor.

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