Use of Tropical Dry Forests and Agricultural Areas by Neotropical Bird Communities

Abstract

Agricultural activities represent a global threat to biodiversity, yet little is known about the relative importance of different agricultural land uses in relation to their wildlife communities. We explored bird community structure, diversity, and composition in a landscape dominated by primary tropical dry forest, and in three agricultural systems (i.e., tree orchards, herbaceous cropfields, cattle pastures) to evaluate the way in which birds use different habitats within the landscape. Tropical dry forests had the highest species richness and community evenness, although the bird community in tree orchards was also relatively species rich and even. Cattle pastures had more bird species than cropfields but both habitats were comparatively species poor with low evenness. Our results are related to habitat structure and the spatial location of sites within the landscape matrix. Based on our observations, we recommend including native tree species within agricultural systems and surrounding areas to provide additional resources for birds. Finally, we suggest promoting natural recruitment of native trees and shrubs within cattle pastures to provide suitable habitat for species that use tropical dry forest plants. Abstract in Spanish is available at http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/loi/btp.