Abstract

Broad-leaved subtropical forests are the most productive, diversified, and complex ecosystems on the planet. Unfortunately, they are currently under severe threat from anthropogenic activities, such as. deforestation, housing settlements, and agricultural expansion. In response to these severe effects, the present study was conducted to explore the current conservation status and population structure of a wide range of bird species inhabiting different subtropical broad-leaved urban forests of Pakistan. In total, 2879 individuals comprising 53 species and 28 families were detected between December 2017 and November 2018 as revealed through the distance sampling line transect method. The habitat selection among bird species varied according to vegetation structure and composition, food resources, adjoining habitats, and human settlements. According to IUCN Red List data, one species was deemed vulnerable out of 53 bird species, while the remaining 52 species were ranked as ofleast concern. The findings of the density analysis revealed that bird density varied between six subtropical broad-leaved forests. Palamar (3.954 ± 0.221 birds/ha) and Kityari (3.138 ± 0.162 birds/ha) were densely populated, whereas Kamal Khan (1.102 ± 0.178 birds/ha) was of the least concern. Likewise, the diversity analysis showed that Kamal Khan was a more diverse habitat (Shannon–Wiener Index; H’ = 3.581 ± 0.021). Shahabad was richer (Margalef Richness Index; R1 = 8.007 ± 0.053) and Dob Ghar was evenly distributed (Pielou J Evenness Index; E = 0.940 ± 0.005) compared to other urban habitats studied. Eight foraging guilds were identified among the bird species. Insectivores were the most abundant bird species utilizing the urban dwelling habitats. carnivores/piscivores/insectivores utilized Dob Ghar forest, while more frugivores utilized Kamal Khan and Dob Ghar. Based on the data, it was concluded that subtropical broad-leaved urban forests are dynamic, complex, and of vital significance for a diverse range of bird species.

Highlights

  • Broad-leaved subtropical forests are among Pakistan’s most productive, diversified and complex ecosystems [1], covering approximately 30–40% of the country’s ’s forest area [2]

  • The present research work was conducted in subtropical broad-leaved urban forests, namely Dob Ghar, Kamal Khan, Kityari, Palamar, Seya Sar, and Shahabad, occurring

  • 2879 bird individuals representing 53 species from 28 families were detected in 6 subtropical urban broad-leaved forest habitats

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Summary

Introduction

Broad-leaved subtropical forests are among Pakistan’s most productive, diversified and complex ecosystems [1], covering approximately 30–40% of the country’s ’s forest area [2]. In broad-leaved subtropical forests, the composition of vegetation is dominated by persistent and semi-persistent deciduous species. The main tree and shrub species that grow in the habitats include Indian horse chestnut (Aesculus indica), Indian maple (Acer caesium), tapering leaf maple (Acer acuminatum), Himalayan elm (Ulmus wallichiana), West. Himalayan alder or sharol (Alnus nitida), kamala or kumkum tree (Mallotus philippensis), Indian willow (Salix tetrasperma), common fig (Ficus carica), chamror (Ehretia aspera), and sweet plum (Sageretia theezans). The vegetation diversity and cover percentage are crucial variables used to predict the relative abundance of avian species and richness [3,4]. Complex floristic compositions harbor a wide array of avian species [5]

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