Alpha, Beta and Gamma Diversity of the Birds in a Tropical Landscape of Southern Mexico

Abstract

Alpha, Beta and Gamma Diversity of the Birds in a Tropical Landscape of Southern Mexico Understanding the relationships between bird diversity and landscape structure in tropical forest fragments is paramount for the conservation of its biodiversity, particularly when tropical forest is under management. In this study, the alpha diversity variation of the bird community was evaluated, and its relationships with area, forest cover, environmental heterogeneity and altitude in a fragmented landscape of tropical forest in southern Mexico. A total of 243 bird species were recorded in the entire landscape. Alpha diversity spatially varies between sites from 123 to 158 species; this variation was explained by habitat heterogeneity. Only five vulnerable species increased their abundance with area, tropical forest cover and habitat heterogeneity increases. Beta diversity between sites ranged from 3% to 57%, and the average turnover between the study sites was 43%. Gamma diversity was largely determined by beta diversity than alpha diversity.