Landscape features affecting bird diversity and abundance at an urban landfill site: a case study in Central Iran

Abstract

ABSTRACT Capsule Landfill sites can support a large and diverse bird community but the surrounding habitat and disturbance are also important in determining how sites are used. Aims To investigate the bird diversity, richness and abundance at an open waste landfill site located in Isfahan, Iran. Methods The effects of landscape features on bird richness and composition were examined using generalized linear models and redundancy analysis (RDA). Results Thirty bird species were identified using the landfill site. The Rook Corvus frugilegus and European Starling Sturnus vulgaris were the two most abundant species, with relative abundance of 28.5 and 27.5% respectively. Species composition and abundance varied spatially, with the RDA ordination identifying three clusters of species based on environmental associations. Bird diversity was highest at sites with relatively high levels of tree cover, with shorter distances to organic waste and water, and low human disturbance. Conclusions Although, birds may be primarily attracted to waste disposal sites for feeding, they are able to use the landfill surrounding habitats for other ecological requirements. Understanding factors related to bird diversity and abundance in landfills can help to inform decisions relating to conservation, population control, and other types of management.