The Importance of Regenerating Forests for Biodiversity Conservation: Insights From Bird Communities

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Biodiversity is crucial for ecological research and ecosystem function, but human activities have led to widespread habitat loss and threats to biodiversity. Recent studies challenge the belief that only primary forests preserve biodiversity, as 20-year-old secondary forests can exhibit comparable levels. We emphasize the significance of studying regenerating and human-altered forests. Our research explores the impact of such forests on avian communities, focusing on different habitat and forest types. Using Non-metric Multidimensional Scaling and Analysis of Similarities, we analyze bird community composition across various habitats. The Parker index and Analysis of Variance evaluate bird sensitivity to habitat changes. Results indicate significant differences in bird communities and sensitivity based on forest and habitat types. The study provides insights into forest integrity, contributing to improved conservation practices in regenerating and human-altered forests. Limitations include assumptions due to limited fragmented plots, suggesting avenues for future research to enhance forest regeneration efforts.