Old-growth forests are critical to safeguard tropical birds in complex landscape mosaics exposed to slash-and-burn agriculture

Landscape Ecology, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 39(7)

Published: June 18, 2024

Abstract Context Slash-and-burn agriculture generates landscape mosaics composed of different land uses. Ecological theory postulates that in these mosaics, the structure species assemblages depends on both local- and landscape-scale factors, but their relative role remains poorly known. Objectives Understanding importance local variables for bird Mayan tropical forest, Mexico. Methods We evaluated effect two (land use type tree basal area) (old-growth forest cover human proximity) abundance diversity, separately assessing non-forest birds. As extirpation may accelerate when loss exceeds certain limits (extinction thresholds), we assessed effects with linear nonlinear models. Results recorded 1867 birds from 118 four land-use types secondary burned lands, agricultural lands). Land-use surrounding old-growth better predicted diversity than area proximity. Agricultural lands showed lowest species, highest species. found no support extinction threshold hypothesis. Yet, independently use, decreased increased Human proximity also total abundance, especially because Conclusions Our findings highlight key played by forests preserving exposed to slash-and-burn agriculture.

Language: Английский

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Defaunation impacts on the carbon balance of tropical forests

Conservation Biology, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Oct. 28, 2024

Abstract The urgent need to mitigate and adapt climate change necessitates a comprehensive understanding of carbon cycling dynamics. Traditionally, global cycle models have focused on vegetation, but recent research suggests that animals can play significant role in dynamics under some circumstances, potentially enhancing the effectiveness nature‐based solutions change. However, links between animals, plants, remain unclear. We explored complex interactions defaunation ecosystem Earth's most biodiverse carbon‐rich biome, tropical rainforests. Defaunation patterns seed dispersal, granivory, herbivory ways alter tree species composition and, therefore, forest above‐ belowground. Most studies we reviewed show reduces storage 0−26% Neo‐ Afrotropics, primarily via population declines large‐seeded, animal‐dispersed trees. Asian forests are not predicted experience changes because their high‐carbon trees wind dispersed. Extrapolating these local effects entire ecosystems implies losses ∼1.6 Pg CO 2 equivalent across Brazilian Atlantic Forest 4−9.2 Amazon over 100 years ∼14.7−26.3 Congo basin 250 years. In addition being hard quantify with precision, highly context dependent; outcomes varied based balance antagonist mutualist interactions, abiotic conditions, human pressure, numerous other factors. A combination experiments, large‐scale comparative studies, mechanistic could help disentangle from anthropogenic forces face incredible complexity systems. Overall, our synthesis emphasizes importance of—and inconsistent results when—integrating animal into models, which is crucial for developing mitigation strategies effective policies.

Language: Английский

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Density and occurrence of Tapirus terrestris in a highly fragmented Atlantic Forest landscape

Studies on Neotropical Fauna and Environment, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown, P. 1 - 10

Published: May 20, 2025

Language: Английский

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Emergent Properties and Robustness of Species–Habitat Networks for Global Terrestrial Vertebrates

Global Ecology and Biogeography, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Sept. 11, 2024

ABSTRACT Aim Habitat loss is the dominant cause of biodiversity decline around world, yet complexity and stability terrestrial assemblages related to suitable habitats have been almost unknown on a global scale. Location Global. Time Period Contemporary. Major Taxa Studied Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Amphibia. Methods We constructed gridded maps species–habitat networks vertebrates based species distributions recently developed habitat type dataset. Then, we investigated biogeographic patterns emergent network structures analysed robustness by simulating removals Results found that, compared with reptiles amphibians, mammals birds were characterised higher diversity, connectance modularity. All four taxonomical groups high globally, but after adjusting for variation surplus deficiency robustness. Temperature precipitation contributed most relative whereas geographical human population factors played important roles in scattered regions all continents. Main Conclusions Overall, provide novel insights into connections through approach, which can help identify gaps reestablishing links improve conservation outcomes.

Language: Английский

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