Annual changes in a bird assembly on artificial perches: Implications for ecological restoration in a subtropical agroecosystem

João Batista Campos,Fernando Campanhã Bechara,Erica Spotswood,Huilquer Francisco Vogel

doi:10.1590/1676-0611-bn-2015-0069

João Batista Campos, Fernando Campanhã Bechara + Show 2 more

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https://doi.org/10.1590/1676-0611-bn-2015-0069

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Abstract

Artificial perches are used in tropical forest restoration projects to increase the dispersal of seeds into restored areas. The ability of perches to enhance seed deposition depends on their ability to attract seed dispersing birds, as well as the correlation between the season of bird visits to perches and the phenology of fruit production in adjacent forests. Using data collected from a large-scale restoration project, we characterized the community of birds that utilize artificial perches over the course of one year. We hypothesized that the structure of a bird assemblage that uses artificial perches is affected by seasonal variation. We aimed to describe the richness, abundance and diversity of a bird assemblage on artificial perches in a subtropical Atlantic forest restoration experiment in Southern Brazil. Richness and abundance estimates of the avian fauna were obtained from eight artificial perches placed in four experimental plots (∼2 y-old). Parameters of richness and abundance were compared using ANOVA. The bird assemblage was described using SHE analysis [richness (S), diversity (H') and evenness (E)], with additional estimates of occurrence and dominance. In total, 451 records of 32 ± 3.16 SD species were obtained. Thraupidae was the most numerous family (nine species, 28.12% of the total). Richness and abundance varied seasonally and were highest during spring and summer. Five migratory species of flycatchers were recorded between spring and early autumn. Perches were ineffective in attracting specialized frugivorous birds, emphasizing that seed dispersal tends to be carried out primarily by generalist omnivores in the initial phase of forest regeneration.

Highlights

In diverse tropical forests, restoration has emerged as a tool for promoting the recovery of forests after deforestation and agricultural abandonment (Reis et al 2010)
In addition to seed dispersal, perches may increase the diversity of avian fauna from non-seed dispersal guilds, which could assist with the recovery of other ecosystem functions (Bocchese et al 2008)
Perches may serve other functions, including furnishing hunting and resting areas for raptorial species, which may act in the population control of granivorous and herbivorous animals such as insects and rodents (Hall et al 1981, Pias et al 2012). They may attract pollinator (Shiels & Walker 2003, Lindell & Thurston 2013), generalist insectivorous and omnivorous birds (Bocchese et al 2008, Morrison & Lindell 2012). These trophic groups may act as occasional dispersers of forest fruit, substituting some of the ecosystem functions performed by specialized frugivorous birds, which are generally rare or absent in degraded environments (Sekercioglu 2006, Pizo 2007)

Summary

Introduction

In diverse tropical forests, restoration has emerged as a tool for promoting the recovery of forests after deforestation and agricultural abandonment (Reis et al 2010). Perches may serve other functions, including furnishing hunting and resting areas for raptorial species, which may act in the population control of granivorous and herbivorous animals such as insects and rodents (Hall et al 1981, Pias et al 2012). They may attract pollinator (Shiels & Walker 2003, Lindell & Thurston 2013), generalist insectivorous and omnivorous birds (Bocchese et al 2008, Morrison & Lindell 2012). These trophic groups may act as occasional dispersers of forest fruit, substituting some of the ecosystem functions performed by specialized frugivorous birds, which are generally rare or absent in degraded environments (Sekercioglu 2006, Pizo 2007)

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