Dietary and habitat specialization, eye size, clutch size, and aerial lifestyle predict avian fragmentation sensitivity in an Andean biodiversity hotpot

Biodiversity and Conservation, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 32(12), P. 4057 - 4081

Published: July 22, 2023

Abstract The fragmentation of tropical forests remains a major driver avian biodiversity loss, particularly for insectivores, yet the mechanisms underlying area sensitivity remain poorly understood. Studies in lowland systems suggest that loss food resources, changes to light microenvironments, increased nest predation, and dispersal limitation are possible mechanisms, but these untested montane bird communities. In this study, we related functional traits (quantified using beta estimates from multi-species occupancy model) test above four hypotheses cloud forest community (both resident species just insectivores) Colombian Western Andes. We found with more specialized diets those use canopy subcanopy (loss hypothesis), larger relative eye sizes (light microhabitat clutch (nest predation hypothesis) were significantly sensitive. By contrast, there was no support hypothesis; instead, insectivores pointed wing shapes, aerial lifestyles, These results reduced vegetation structure, late-successional plant species, epiphytic plants may reduce availability fragments. Similarly, ability tolerate higher intensity near fragment edges, or when traversing matrix habitat, be important persistence fragments suggests habitat configuration special importance fragmented Andean landscapes. Overall, lack information on foraging, movement, breeding ecology complicates conservation

Language: Английский

---

From the sea to the city: explaining gulls’ use of urban habitats

Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 12

Published: April 25, 2024

The expansion of urban areas affects wild animals in a variety ways. Why members closely-related species respond differently to urbanisation is often unclear, but an understanding the factors that lead habitat use or avoidance will have important implications for conservation. Previous research has suggested habitats could favour larger-brained, behaviourally flexible species, which can more readily cope with novel challenges imposed by urbanisation. However, opportunity colonise areas, and similarities between species’ natural habitats, may also explain use. We phylogenetic path analysis investigate promote breeding foraging gull subfamily, group several urbanised species. While we find little evidence support relationship brain size foraging, reveal indirect breeding: cliff-nesting relatively larger brains these are likely breed areas. show cliff nesting gulls derived trait therefore reflect plasticity choice, facilitating buildings as sites. Finally, less be international conservation concern decreasing population size, exposing need on causes consequences

Language: Английский

---

Dispersal limitation predicts the spatial and temporal filtering of tropical bird communities in isolated forest fragments

Functional Ecology, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 38(1), P. 179 - 193

Published: Nov. 1, 2023

Abstract The link between dispersal traits and patterns of community assembly remains a frontier in understanding how vertebrate communities persist fragmented landscapes. Using experimental release trials intensive field surveys bird forests the Peruvian Colombian Andes, we demonstrate that morphological related to movement (1) predict flight performance (2) exhibit dispersal‐mediated environmental filtering at scale. After correcting for body size, four hypothesised influence ability (wing length, wing pointedness, loading, eye size) predicted distance flown across hostile landscape, with successful species having significantly longer pointed wings, carrying less mass per unit area (i.e. lower loading), smaller eyes. Species larger eyes also displayed increased latency, potentially due disability glare. At scale, detected gradient fragments compared reference forest within same relative differences trait values explained by temporal spatial extent patch isolation. In landscape where had been isolated >60 years, were filtered long narrow wings small eyes, especially most spatially fragments. We observed opposite pattern more recently (15–30 years): tended have shorter rounded those nearby contiguous forests, suggesting dispersal‐limited accumulate initial years following isolation “restricted dispersal” represent an extinction debt yet be paid. Our results experimentally validate use as proxies landscapes, visual acuity functions novel dimension limitation (3) quantify components produce inhabiting Read free Plain Language Summary this article on Journal blog.

Language: Английский

---

Species traits and latitude mediate bird responses to forest edges globally

Landscape Ecology, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 39(3)

Published: Feb. 19, 2024

Abstract Context Although local studies comparing species abundance between forest edges and interiors are common, general patterns in the response of different to still be determined. There is little consensus on impacts edge effects individual bird species, probably because traits affecting responses have rarely been synthesized. Objective We aimed identify how species’ traits, as well extrinsic (environmental) factors, mediate birds globally. Methods collected global information from bibliographic databases 59 with 63 datasets that compared interiors. For each we compiled six (diet, habitat preference, territoriality, body mass, hand-wing index, foraging stratum). Using Linear Mixed-effects Models, evaluated latitude, contrast, sampling method affected edges. Results Based 2981 1414 found plant/seedeaters responded positively The strength preferences was also mediated by latitude. Open-area tropics exhibited a positive response, diminishing latitude increases. Conversely, tend exhibit somewhat more negative tropical zones. Edge were for soft (low-contrast) Conclusions Species particular diet interacting species. These latitudinal gradients must explicitly considered models attempting explain variability among conservation actions fragmented landscapes.

Language: Английский

---

Bird vulnerability to forest loss

Nature Ecology & Evolution, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 8(2), P. 188 - 189

Published: Jan. 5, 2024

Language: Английский

---

A global latitudinal gradient in the proportion of terrestrial vertebrate forest species

Global Ecology and Biogeography, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 33(7)

Published: May 18, 2024

Abstract Aim Global patterns in species distributions such as the latitudinal biodiversity gradient are of great interest to ecologists and have been thoroughly studied. Whether a holds true for proportion associated with key ecotypes forests is however unknown. Identifying ascertaining factors causing it could further our understanding community sensitivity deforestation uncover drivers habitat specialization. The null hypothesis that proportions forest remain globally consistent, though we hypothesize will change differences ecotype amount, spatial structure, environmental stability. Here study whether follows gradient, test hypotheses why this may occur. Location Worldwide. Time period Present. Major taxa studied Terrestrial vertebrates. Methods We combined range maps use data all terrestrial vertebrates calculate an area. then used on global distribution current, recent historical, long‐term historical cover, well disturbances plant diversity using generalized linear models. Results identified whereby highest occurred at equator decreased polewards. additionally found increased current deforestation, structural complexity, Despite inclusion these variables, strong remained, suggesting additional causes gradient. Main conclusions Our findings suggest result ecological, evolutionary factors. Interestingly, high were areas experienced lagged response perturbations potential extinction debt.

Language: Английский

---

Evaluation of forest loss data using fractal algorithms: case study Eastern Carpathians–Romania

Frontiers in Forests and Global Change, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 7

Published: July 1, 2024

Logging causes the fragmentation of areas with direct implications for hydrological processes, landslides, or habitats. The assessment this process plays an important role in planning future logging, reconstruction, and protection measures whole ecosystem. methodology used includes imaging techniques applying two fractal indices: Fractal Fragmentation Index (FFI) Disorder (FFDI). results showed annual evolution disposition deforested areas. Only 3% deforestation resulted splitting forest plots. remaining 97% reduction existing compact stands without fragmentation. method has many advantages quantifying spatial forests, estimating capture carbon emissions establishing sustainability bird animal analysis took place Eastern Carpathians, Romania, time period 2001–2022.

Language: Английский

---

Seasonal movements of small-island birds along habitat and elevation gradients highlights the conservation value of small-scale agroforests

Agriculture Ecosystems & Environment, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 375, P. 109195 - 109195

Published: July 23, 2024

Knowledge on species distributions and seasonal movement patterns within landscapes is important for understanding their ecology roles in agroecosystems, critical enabling effective conservation monitoring, particularly small-island states where resources are limited. We undertook bird surveys to examine across a range of agricultural land-use intensities elevations the Caribbean island Grenada by collecting data over 6 repeated monthly (3 wet season, 3 dry season) at sites located variety habitats spread 6–300 m elevation. observed gradual upslope increase diversity abundance from mid-wet season late-dry as well reduced-canopy closed-canopy season. The mid-elevation hillsides consist diverse mosaic closed canopy secondary forest patches, interspersed among more open agroforests small-scale cropping grazed areas. These agroecosystems appear provide birds throughout year, especially also found that mixed contained greater fruit, flower, seed than such forest, cacao agroforests, young forests, or scrub; plant food was highest However, significantly increased during suggesting intact forests habitat many Grenadian birds, which may be drier lowland areas experiencing intensive land use urban resort development. Overall, this research demonstrates importance maintaining functional connectivity treed local landscape scales conservation, contribution diverse, agriculture communities.

Language: Английский

---

How effective are perches in promoting bird-mediated seed dispersal for natural forest regeneration? A systematic review protocol

Environmental Evidence, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 12(1)

Published: Aug. 3, 2023

Abstract Background Forest landscape restoration (FLR), often through tree planting, is one of the priorities in many global and national initiatives for carbon offsetting as part climate change mitigation biodiversity conservation. However, active efforts to meet FLR objectives entail substantial costs procurement planting stocks require an experienced workforce nurturing seedlings. Alternatively, projects can be more cost-effective potentially may have greater gain assisting accelerating natural forest regeneration. The use perches strategies under Assisted Natural Regeneration (ANR) used attract avian seed dispersers degraded habitats increased supply seedling establishment. This systematic review potential meta-analysis aim determine effectiveness artificial promoting Specifically, we will evaluate their driving richness, density, density. results synthesize available evidence on topic, identify knowledge gaps need filling upscale strategy, inform concert with other ANR strategies. Methods search strategy was informed a literature scan discussions stakeholders experts. A total eight databases, which include organizational library web-based engine, searched using refined string English. formed keywords corresponding PICO structure research question, its comprehensiveness evaluated 10 benchmark articles. screened by team (composed primary at least two secondary reviewers) set eligibility criteria title abstract level, followed full-text screening. studies then undergo critical appraisal assessment based risk bias methods. Data from accepted extracted standard data sheet meta-analysis. Effect size (Hedges’ g) computed whether are effective increasing dispersal establishment sites. effect modifiers relating explored via mixed models.

Language: Английский

---

Analysis of Chukar Partridge Wing Morphology and Morphometry and their Implications in Flight Pattern and Behavior

Egyptian Journal of Veterinary Science, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 55(7), P. 1961 - 1974

Published: March 25, 2024

This study aims to investigate the attributes of wing morphology in Alectoris chukar birds and understand their influence on flight-related behaviors , ecology aerodynamic capability . Ten adults healthy partridge were used this study, various morphometric parameters flattened wings measured, including length, breadth, span, armwing handwing area. To flight performance, characteristics such as loading ratio aspect calculated. While index parameter dispersal ability, feather measurements included width, he inner outer vanes length rachis primaries secondaries feathers. And for locomotion analysis a high-speed video camera track orientation, angle during wingbeat cycle. The observations showed that feathers wide with tapered calamus. revealed was 24.32 ± 0.14 cm, breadth 13.56 0.11 7.01 0.84 17.31 0.99 while 1.01 0.17 g/cm² 2.21 0.28. 13.35 0.9 11.21 0.18 cm respectively, bird fly 160 -180 meters beats frequency 24.6±0.92 hertz. These data explain relationship between adaptability different flying styles, ground foraging, ecological distribution.

Language: Английский

---