Impacts of land use and invasive species on native avifauna of Mo'orea, French Polynesia.

Vanessa M Zobell,Brett J Furnas

doi:10.7717/peerj.3761

Abstract

Oceanic islands are among the most endemically biodiverse ecosystems in the world. They have been adversely impacted by human expansion, which affects regional biodiversity by altering the natural habitats of vulnerable, indigenous species. Birds represent a valuable indicator species of environmental change due to their ability to adapt quickly. Investigating the relationship between environmental change, abundance, and behaviors of birds can help us better anticipate potential impacts to island ecosystems. In addition, we can understand the population trends and restricted ranges of native avifauna, identify the regions needing protection, and assess habitat vulnerability linked to anthropogenic activities. In Mo’orea, French Polynesia, we studied nine passerine bird species using automated acoustic recording devices placed in agricultural, forested, and mixed habitats. Based on call counts per unit time and occupancy modeling, we found evidence that three non-native species preferred agricultural areas and low-canopy cover over dense forested areas. Furthermore, native bird detectability and possibly abundance was significantly lower than non-native birds. Using hierarchical cluster analysis to support inferences regarding behavioral differences, we found that native bird calling activity was negatively associated with non-native bird calling activity. Altogether, these results suggest native bird populations are at risk in all of the habitats studied, but forests serve as a potential refuge.

Highlights

Biodiversity is impacted negatively by human-caused alterations of natural habitats through industrialization, agriculture, logging, and commercial and residential development (Florens et al, 2012; McKinney, 2002; Repetto, 1988)
The average number of calls per 5-minute survey was highest for two introduced species, silvereye and red-vented bulbul (Table 1). It was lowest for the two native species, Greygreen fruit dove and Mo’orean kingfisher
Multi-species occupancy modeling and automated acoustic recording devices are tools that could be used to increase the precision of parameter estimation for testing habitat and behavioral hypotheses

Summary

Introduction

Biodiversity is impacted negatively by human-caused alterations of natural habitats through industrialization, agriculture, logging, and commercial and residential development (Florens et al, 2012; McKinney, 2002; Repetto, 1988). Agriculture practices impact birds by altering and eliminating their habitat, nesting availability, and food sources (Vickery et al, 2001). The use of fertilizer is known to alter bird occurrence. Livestock grazing can alter biodiversity by removing plants needed for nesting and shelter (McLaughlin & Mineau, 1995). Non-native species may reduce biodiversity by encroaching and thriving on new, human-altered habitats such as agricultural areas, and outcompeting their native counterparts for resources (Mack et al, 2000; Gurevitch & Padilla, 2004)

Objectives

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion