Evaluating the effects of habitats on birds in the walnut fruit forests: a case study from Kyrgyzstan

Abstract

Walnut fruit forests represent both a valuable hotspot of biological diversity and have significant economic value for the livelihoods of local communities. However, the sustainable management of these forests is a complex task requiring the successful juggling of the different interests of local stakeholders, including fulfilling their economic, social and ecological demands. Birds were chosen as the indicator of biodiversity with which to evaluate the effects of forest management activities. A research study was conducted in 2005 during the birds’ breeding season in five different habitats (primary and secondary forests, plantation, agroforestry and brushwood) using the point sampling method. A total of 23 species were recorded. According to the various diversity indices employed, the best habitats for species richness were areas of agroforestry, while primary forests were found to be the best habitats in terms of species abundance. In contrast, the lowest bird diversity was observed in plantations due to their structural homogeneity. In addition, habitat suitability was assessed according to both horizontal and vertical structural parameters and tested using five selected indicator bird species. The results reveal a link between birds and vegetation, with abundance of old trees, availability of deadwood and habitat understorey density found to be the most important indicators of bird survival. Our research findings highlight that it is imperative to protect existing primary forests which are genetic diversity hotspots for endemic species such as Dendrocopos leucopterus. Although areas under agroforestry were primarily found to be relatively promising habitats in terms of species richness, these intensively managed ecosystems may also be useful for simultaneously fulfilling the needs of local people, if such projects are carefully planned and managed.