Abstract
Urbanization produces changes in riparian environments causing effects in the structure of bird communities, which respond differently to impacts. We compare richness, abundance and composition of birds in riparian environments with different urbanization gradients in Caí River, Rio Grande do Sul. We conducted observations in woodland, grassland and urban environments, between September/2007 and August/2008. We recorded 130 bird species, 29 species unique to woodland environments, including an endangered species: Triclaria malachitacea. Bird abundance differed between woodland and urban environments (426 individuals in woodland, 721 in grassland and 939 in urban). Species composition and feeding guilds contributed significantly to differentiation of bird community structures in these three riparian environments. In open environments (grassland and urban) we recorded more generalist feeding guilds and bird species, while in riparian woodland environments, we find guilds and species more sensitive to human impacts. Bird species may be biological quality indicators and contribute to natural economy. With the knowledge of bird community structure and their needs, it is possible to establish management practices for riparian restoration of degraded environments in the region.
Highlights
IntroductionBird communities present a mechanism to explore urban effects and a response to different environmental gradients through species composition (CHACE; WALSH, 2006)
A study suggests, that bird communities in urban areas are dominated by few more generalist species with low frequency and maybe small population size (MANHÃES; LOURESRIBEIRO, 2005) which present a response to urban environment and vegetation characteristics (ONEAL; ROTENBERRY, 2009)
The degree of tolerance of each species to its environment changes depends on its ability to adapt or broaden its niche in order to adjust to habitat conditions, so that birds exhibit a functional response to habitat configuration (NORES et al, 2008; GILLIES; CLAIR, 2010)
Summary
Bird communities present a mechanism to explore urban effects and a response to different environmental gradients through species composition (CHACE; WALSH, 2006). A study suggests, that bird communities in urban areas are dominated by few more generalist species with low frequency and maybe small population size (MANHÃES; LOURESRIBEIRO, 2005) which present a response to urban environment and vegetation characteristics (ONEAL; ROTENBERRY, 2009). Poor habitat conditions produce some negative effects to bird populations and communities, such as low reproductive success, species loss, parasitism, diseases, and competitive interactions (Marini, 2000; Metzger, 2003; Ribon et al, 2003; CHACE; WALSH, 2006). The degree of tolerance of each species to its environment changes depends on its ability to adapt or broaden its niche in order to adjust to habitat conditions, so that birds exhibit a functional response to habitat configuration (NORES et al, 2008; GILLIES; CLAIR, 2010)
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