Open-area Species Research Articles

Hessische Rhön – mountain grassland, rough grazing and their birds

Hessische Rhön – mountain grassland, rough grazing and their birds The project is particularly dedicated to conservation and development measures for the species-rich mountain grassland and the protection of endangered bird species in open areas of the Hessian low mountain ranges of the Rhön. By implementing different types of landscape maintaining measures in close cooperation with local farmers and municipalities valuable habitats in the Natura 2000 protected area network were substantially improved.

Spiders (Araneae) from three human-influenced habitats in the Golsfjellet mountain area, central southern Norway

Three sites at 900 m a.s.l. in the sub-alpine mountain birch forest region and under different levels of human-influence were investigated. Site 1: An open birch forest with some scattered spruces, a rich bush and field layer and a rich moss cover; very little grazed. Site 2: Tree and bush layer removed, a rich field layer invaded by open area species and some ’culture indicators’; there was a rich moss cover. Site 3: Grazed; tree layer, bush layer and moss cover absent. Pitfall trapping (18 May – 18 Aug. 2000) in site 1 - 3 resulted in 48, 48 and 22 spider species (in total 64 species). In site 1 and 2 Pardosa riparia (C.L.Koch, 1833) and Alopecosa pulverulenta (Clerck, 1757) were dominating. P. sphagnicola (Dahl, 1908) was also fairly common in site 1, P. palustris and P. hyperborea (Thorell, 1872) in site 2. Site 3 was almost completely dominated by Pardosa palustris (73.2 %) and Erigone atra Blackwall, 1841 (18.2 %); present (absent elsewhere) were also some specimens of Oedothorax retusus (Westring, 1851) (4.6 %).

Aerial Wildlife Image Repository for animal monitoring with drones in the age of artificial intelligence.

Drones (unoccupied aircraft systems) have become effective tools for wildlife monitoring and conservation. Automated animal detection and classification using artificial intelligence (AI) can substantially reduce logistical and financial costs and improve drone surveys. However, the lack of annotated animal imagery for training AI is a critical bottleneck in achieving accurate performance of AI algorithms compared to other fields. To bridge this gap for drone imagery and help advance and standardize automated animal classification, we have created the Aerial Wildlife Image Repository (AWIR), which is a dynamic, interactive database with annotated images captured from drone platforms using visible and thermal cameras. The AWIR provides the first open-access repository for users to upload, annotate, and curate images of animals acquired from drones. The AWIR also provides annotated imagery and benchmark datasets that users can download to train AI algorithms to automatically detect and classify animals, and compare algorithm performance. The AWIR contains 6587 animal objects in 1325 visible and thermal drone images of predominantly large birds and mammals of 13 species in open areas of North America. As contributors increase the taxonomic and geographic diversity of available images, the AWIR will open future avenues for AI research to improve animal surveys using drones for conservation applications. Database URL: https://projectportal.gri.msstate.edu/awir/.

Species traits and latitude mediate bird responses to forest edges globally

ContextAlthough local studies comparing species abundance between forest edges and interiors are common, general patterns in the response of different species to edges are still to be determined. There is little consensus on the impacts of forest edge effects on the abundance of individual bird species, probably because the species traits affecting edge responses have rarely been synthesized.ObjectiveWe aimed to identify how different species’ traits, as well as extrinsic (environmental) factors, mediate the responses of birds to forest edges globally.MethodsWe collected global information from bibliographic databases from 59 studies with 63 different datasets that compared bird abundance between forest edges and interiors. For each species, we compiled six traits (diet, habitat preference, territoriality, body mass, hand-wing index, and foraging stratum). Using Linear Mixed-effects Models, we evaluated how species traits, latitude, edge contrast, and sampling method affected bird responses to edges.ResultsBased on 2981 responses of 1414 bird species, we found that plant/seedeaters birds responded positively to edges. The strength of habitat preferences on edge responses was also mediated by latitude. Open-area species from tropics exhibited a positive response, diminishing as latitude increases. Conversely, forest species tend to exhibit a somewhat more negative response in tropical zones. Edge effects were more negative for soft (low-contrast) edges.ConclusionsSpecies traits, in particular diet and habitat preferences interacting with latitude, mediate the impacts of edge effects on different bird species. These species traits and latitudinal gradients must be explicitly considered in models attempting to explain variability in edge responses among species, as well as in conservation actions in fragmented landscapes.

Drone with Mounted Thermal Infrared Cameras for Monitoring Terrestrial Mammals

This study investigates the use of a drone equipped with a thermal camera for recognizing wild mammal species in open areas and to determine the sex and age of red deer (Cervus elaphus) and roe deer (Capreolus capreoulus) in a 13 km2 moor in Denmark. Two separate surveys were conducted: (1) To achieve drone images for the identification of mammals, the drone was tested around a bait place with a live wildlife camera that was often visited by European badger (Meles meles), stone marten (Martes foina), European hare (Lepus europaeus), roe deer and cattle (Bos taurus). The thermal images of wild animal species could be distinguished by their body measures when the drone filmed with the camera pointed perpendicular to the ground in an altitude range of 50–120 m. A PCA ordination showed nonoverlapping body characteristics and MANOVA showed that the combined body measures used were significantly distinctive F = 6.8, p < 0.001. The reactions and behavioral responses of the different species to the altitude and noise of the drone were also tested in this place. (2) On a 13 km2 moor, a drone was used for a population study of deer. Red deer and roe deer were counted and separated by body measures. Red deer individuals could, at the right altitude, be separated into adults and calves, and males and females. Body length was the most conclusive body measure, and therefore a reference measurement in the field is recommended. The frame thermal images were effective in species recognition and for use in population studies of deer, and are thought to be more time-efficient and less invasive than traditional methods. In autumn, the number of stags and the life stage of red deer, as well as the distribution of deer in different types of vegetation, could be determined.

Climate-driven loss of taxonomic and functional richness in Brazilian Atlantic Forest anurans

Climate change is one of the key drivers of the dramatic erosion of global biodiversity. Poikilothermic organisms, such as amphibians, are particularly prone to alterations in temperature and precipitation and are therefore expected to be severely impacted by global climate change. We evaluated: i) the potential effects of climate change on taxonomic and functional richness of amphibians in the Atlantic Forest of Brazil, and ii) tested whether forest-dependent and open area species responded differently to climatic stressors. We applied an ensemble forecasting approach using point locality data to establish predictive maps of taxonomic and functional richness for different IPCC AR5 scenarios with two Representative Concentration Pathway trajectories (RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5) at two temporal projections (2050 and 2070). A significant decline in both taxonomic and functional richness of Atlantic Forest amphibians is expected over the coming decades under the evaluated climate scenarios. The core areas projected to maintain significantly high anuran richness in both components were in coastal high-altitude localities. We found negative effects (losses) to be more pronounced for taxonomic richness. Model outcomes indicate significant losses in both forest and open area species. A few remaining high-altitude sites will then play an important role as potential climatic refuges to safeguard anuran diversity, requiring a dynamic landscape approach as conservation strategy.

Bird species occupancy trends in Southeast Mexico over 1900-2020: Accounting for sighting record absences.

Long-term land-use change impacts tropical bird communities through population-level and functional diversity effects from habitat loss, degradation and fragmentation, leading to land management and conservation challenges. Assessing the temporal impacts of land-use change on occupancy patterns, population change and functional traits of bird species in tropical areas is limited by the treatment of nondetections as true absences or artefacts of low sampling effort during and throughout years. With this in mind, we developed a novel Bayesian species occupancy framework to account for species absences to evaluate bird community changes in Palenque, Chiapas, Mexico, where there is opportunity for study given exceptional records of change across habitats from rainforest to urban centres. We created a novel dataset of population trends for 244 bird species over the years 1900 to 2020 from published short-term field studies, expert field notes and community science pages. Our results show that open area species had higher population increases than forest specialists over time, represented most evidently by the turnover of rainforest specialists for urban species. Modelled influence of functional traits displayed the importance of main habitat types, body mass and habitat and dietary breadth as factors that associated with bird population trends. On average, species with body masses <6.6 and > 948.4g showed decreasing trends, while all other species showed increasing or stable trends. Our findings illuminate the value of accounting for species absences from several data sources to discover long-term species population trends and affiliated functional traits whose preservation requires conservation and land management action to protect bird ecosystem services. Primary forest conservation is key to maintaining populations of habitat and dietary specialists, such as small understorey insectivorous and large frugivorous species. Protecting rare natural savanna patches from conversion to cattle pasture is vital to prevent further extirpation of native granivores and to slow colonization by exotic and invasive species.

Characteristics of fishery in open sea and conventional areas of the World ocean in 2020 according to satellite monitoring data and prospects for the development of the Russian fishery in these areas

One of the strategic goals of the Russian fishing industry in modern conditions is to expand the activities of the fishing fleet to the open ocean areas. Based on modern data from satellite monitoring of fishing vessels in the World Ocean for 2020, the paper provides a characteristic of the state of oceanic fisheries. The most active fishing zones in the open part of the World Ocean outside the exclusive economic zones of coastal states, which may be of interest for the development of domestic oceanic fishing, have been identified and described. The most active fishing takes place in the open areas of the World Ocean, which are not covered by the regulation of regional fisheries organizations, and especially active is the fishing for species that are not regulated by them. First of all, squid are such commercial species. Tunas and other pelagic predators are also promising species in open areas of the World Ocean. The main types of fishing vessels in the open ocean are longline fishing vessels, jigging vessels and purse seiners. The information provided will be in demand when organizing the fishing of biological resources in areas beyond national jurisdiction, as well as preparing exploratory research expeditions to promising fishing areas.

Contributions to the knowledge of the dung beetles (Scarabaeidae: Scarabaeinae) of southwestern Brazilian Amazon: list of species and conservation implications

ABSTRACT Dung beetles perform essential ecological functions (e.g. nutrient cycling, secondary seed dispersal and parasite control) and are excellent indicators of ecosystem quality. However, in the Amazon region, the biodiversity of these insects is still poorly known. Here, we investigated the dung beetle biodiversity of the southwestern Brazilian Amazon and provide information on the distribution and natural history. We sampled dung beetles using pitfall traps baited with human feces in five forest fragments in municipality of Pimenta Bueno – Rondônia, Western Brazil. In all, 8502 individuals from 58 species of dung beetles were captured. In addition, four species were reported for the first time in the state of Rondônia: Canthon brunneus (Schmidt, 1922), Dendropaemon lydiae, Eurysternus howdeni and Eurysternus ventricosus Gill, 1990. Thirty species were classified as forest specialist, and seven as habitat generalists, suggesting an effect of the expansion of anthropic areas (e.g. introduced pastures) on the forest landscape. Thus, we highlight the need for monitoring the proportion between forest species and open-area species in the study region, in order to investigate a possible biotic homogenization process.

Amphibians and reptiles of the Atlantic Forest in Recôncavo Baiano, east Brazil: Cruz das Almas municipality.

A list of amphibian and reptile species that occur in open and forested areas of the Atlantic Forest in the municipality of Cruz das Almas, in the Recôncavo Baiano, eastern Brazil is presented. Field sampling occurred between January 2015 to March 2019, totalling 117 samples distributed in three areas: Parque Florestal Mata de Cazuzinha, Mata da Cascalheira, and Riacho do Machado. A total of 1,848 individuals of 69 species (31 anurans, 14 lizards, 19 snakes, two amphisbaenians, and three testudines) was recorded. Additionally, one individual of Ophiodesstriatus was found in Mata da Cascalheira after the end of sampling, totalling 15 lizard species and 70 herpetofaunal species. The prevalence of open-area species and the presence of Phyllopezuslutzae, Diploglossuslessonae, and Dryadosauranordestina in interior forest patches are discussed. Additionally, a new record of the invasive terrapin Trachemysdorbigni in the State of Bahia is reported.

Germination of small tropical seeds has distinct light quality and temperature requirements, depending on microhabitat.

The coexistence of plant species in tropical rainforests is related to specific abiotic resources, varying according to the occurrence microhabitat of each species. Light quality is the main abiotic factor influencing germination of small seeds; however, studies often do not discriminate its effect from that of light irradiance. This study compared specific requirements for seed germination of ten small-seeded species, with restricted occurrence in only one of three contrasting microhabitats: forest understorey, edge of clearings and open areas. Laboratory experiments were carried out to test temperature regime (constant or fluctuating), light quality (R:FR) and light irradiance (PAR), which reproduce high and low conditions commonly found in the microhabitats. Seed germination of all species occurred between 20 and 30°C, only seeds of open area species were able to germinate at 35°C and no species required alternating temperatures to germinate. Irrespective of species and microhabitat, a decrease in the R:FR reduced the germination percentage; however, there were differences in the capacity to germinate at low R:FR. The values of R:FR50% were higher for open area and edge species (0.441-0.345) than for understorey species (0.181-0.109), with few exceptions. For all species and most of the tests, germination was not influenced by PAR. Light quality is the most important light signal for germination of small seeds; irradiance has little effect. Our results suggest two distinct patterns of germination for small-seeded species: open area and edge species are light-demanding and require high R:FR to germinate, while understorey species are shade-tolerant and germinate at low R:FR. These differences are responsible for distinct microhabitat occurrence and help to explain the coexistence of species in tropical forests.

AVIFAUNA ASSOCIADA A MUÇUNUNGAS: COMPOSIÇÃO E USO DO HABITAT

Muçunungas are vegetation formations in sandy soils, similar to restingas in structure and composition, ranging from grassy woody (GL) to low-density trees or muçununga forests (FM). Although some birds are known for this phytophysiognomy, few data are available on the structure of their communities, and on the ecological resources' use. This research aims to present the first commented list on the birdlife of muçunungas, and to describe how they share the ecological resources in different formations. Five areas of muçunungas having different vegetation structures were sampled in southern Bahia, Brazil, between 2011 and 2019. We recorded 216 species; 32 endemics to the Atlantic Forest and 14 threatened with extinction. The most abundant feeding guilds were insectivores (77 species), omnivores (53), and frugivores (32). A total of 109 species were recorded in FM and 183 in GL. Strictly forest birds prevailed in FM (66 %), and forest, semi-forest, and open-area species were detected in similar amounts in GL. Generalist birds have prevailed in muçunungas, sharing many species with the surrounding environments, as in restingas. Due to the paucity of specific public policies, and similarities of muçunungas and restingas, we suggest that similar conservationist strategies could be applied to birds in these two environments of the Atlantic Forest.

Conservation implications of a limited avian cross-habitat spillover in pasture lands

Increasing evidence demonstrates a role for the cross-habitat spillover process in the maintenance of biodiversity in managed agricultural landscapes. However, the mechanisms that drive this process are less well understood. In particular, it is critical to know how landscape structure modulates spillover movements, and whether species are moving through the matrix to acquire resources or simply to disperse between habitat fragments. We tested landscape effects and food resource use within cattle pasture matrices. We used mist-nets to collect data on avian communities across 51 sampling sites, spanning a forest cover gradient. We additionally integrated stable isotopic analysis (δ13C signature) to determine the provenance of resources used (either forest - dominated by C3 plants; or pasture, dominated by C4). Bird movement across pasture matrices was extremely reduced, and bird occupation was concentrated near forest edges. There was a clear distinction of resource use according to species’ habitat preferences, with forest-species foraging predominantly in-forests, open-area species in pastures, and generalist species having more varied diets, but still relying on a large proportion of C3 sources. Forest cover was unrelated to avian spillover from forests into pastures, but positively related to C3 signatures for both forest and open-area associated species. Finally, we found that most birds moving from forests to pastures were habitat generalists (63%), and that pastures work as a barrier for forest-associated species movement. Landscapes dominated by pasture are very unfavorable to the conservation of forest species, but potentially can maintain ecosystem services from the spillover of generalist species.

Independent Evolutionary Responses to Quaternary Landscape and Climatic Changes of Two Codistributed Cactophilic Drosophila Species (Drosophila repleta group) in Open Areas of South America

AbstractEvolutionary processes related to climatic changes and ecological factors, such as microhabitat affinities and food specialization, can be important contributors to phylogeographic discordance between codistributed and related species. Here, we evaluate the evolutionary histories of two cactophilic and codistributed Drosophila species (Diptera: Drosophilidae) from South America, Drosophila antonietae and Drosophila meridionalis, where they use mainly Cereus hildmaniannus (Cactoideae: Cereeae) as host, using mitochondrial DNA sequences and species distribution modeling. The diversification of both species was estimated during the Pleistocene. For both species, the distribution of suitable areas through the Last Glacial period to the present showed a similar dynamic from Andes Valley through east and through the Paraná-Paraguay river basin to the Atlantic coastline. The current distribution of D. antonietae was influenced by demographic expansion and putative migration route from northwest to south and then to coast, with two genetic incipient groups with bidirectional genetic flow between them. For D. meridionalis, we suggested a migration route from south to north as well as to coast, with three genetic groups deeply structured with no evidence of demographic expansion. Our comparative results showed that the Quaternary paleoclimatic dynamic has had a similar role in both species (displacement of the high suitability areas) with similar routes but in different directions. Additionally, the Araucaria forest represents a putative biogeographic barrier for Drosophila species and also for host C. hildmaniannus. The phylogeographical differences between these species related to geographical distribution, genetic structure, and demographic history could be explained for differences to adaptation and plasticity to explore a new host.

Ground beetle (Coleoptera, Carabidae) life history traits as indicators of habitat recovering processes in postindustrial areas

The recovery of postindustrial ecosystems is difficult to predict and depends on numerous factors. Afforestation whereby trees are planted without improvement of soil properties is a popular means of landfill reclamation in Europe, to inhibit the effect of soil erosion. This slows down or completely prevents effective recolonization of many natural ecosystem components. The aim of the study was to test a method using the life-history traits of ground beetle assemblages as a predictor of the effectiveness of ecological restoration in afforested areas. The study was conducted on 45 sampling transects located in three ecosystem types: afforested landfills, landfills where spontaneous succession took place and reference forests. The following carabid life history traits were analysed: body size, dispersal power, food preferences, breeding type, and habitat preferences. In total, 2036 specimens belonging to 36 Carabidae species were collected. Non-metric multidimensional scaling was used to classify ground beetle assemblages according to ecosystem types (analysis of dissimilarity showed significant distance differences, p < .001). We noted shifts in life history traits towards early succession in assemblages of afforested areas. Generalized linear mixed models of afforested sites revealed significantly higher abundance of herbivorous, open-area species with medium body size, high dispersal power and a spring breeding cycle. In contrast, sites where spontaneous succession occured were dominated by carabids whose life history traits were similar to those of assemblages inhabiting the reference forests, i.e. medium body-sized predators with low dispersal power and an autumn breeding cycle. We conclude that an approach based on ground beetle life-history traits can be a useful tool indicating the direction and effectiveness of ecosystem recovery in post-industrial areas and can be used as a measurable criterion for assessment of restoration activities.

Ground beetles (Coleoptera, Carabidae) as useful tool indicating the quality of restoration practices in post-industrial areas

Environmental disturbances, being a consequence of human industrial activity, strongly influence the communities of plants and animals, causing impoverishment of species pool and reduction of the overall biodiversity. Restoration of stable ecological systems in such areas is difficult and depends on many factors, that influence the rate and effectivness of recolonization. The aim of the study was to compare the diversity and life history traits of ground beetle assemblages in recultivated and spontaneously regenerated postindustrial areas as well as reference forests. In addition the carabid co-occurrence pattern as a parameter evaluating the effectiveness of ecosystem restoration was studied. The following carabid life history traits were analysed: body size, dispersal power, food preferences, breeding type, and habitat preferences. During the field study 2036 specimens belonging to 36 Carabidae species were collected. NMDS analysis divided the ground beetle assemblages in relation to ecosystem types. ANOSIM showed significant differences in dissimilarity distances between assemblages from recultivated, spontaneously regenerated and reference areas. The analysis of the structure and life-history traits of ground beetle assemblages also showed significant differences. In recultivated dumps the rate of restoration was very slow and carabid assemblages structure and life history traits maintained the early successional character, revealing significantly higher abundance of herbivorous open-area species with medium body size, high dispersal power, and a spring breeding cycle. Moreover the co-occurrence pattern of ground beetle assemblages showed a random pattern of co-occurrence, as an effect of high extinction rate reflecting high disturbance level. In case of spontaneously regenerated dumps more effective restoration processes was observed. The co-occurrence pattern of ground beetles assemblages showed a non-random pattern (the mean simulated C-score value was significantly lower than the value generated for the empirical data). Such conditions were beneficial for more sensitive carabid species (mainly medium body-sized predators with low dispersal power and an autumn breeding cycle). We conclude that ground beetles could be an useful tool indicating the direction and effectiveness of ecosystem restoration in post-industrial areas. This study indicated that recultivation techniques without proper biological soil regeneration do not guarantee full restoration of ecosystems and provide conditions for species with wide ecological ranges.

The ecological signal on the shape of the lacertid vestibular system: simple versus complex microhabitats

Shape variation in the vestibular system is often linked to microhabitat structure and locomotor performance. Highly circular and orthogonal semicircular canal pairs are linked to higher motion sensitivity. Here, we use 3D geometric morphometrics to investigate shape variation in the vestibular system within lacertid lizards and its relationship to balance control. We found that lacertids living in complex microhabitats possess narrow but longer vestibular systems, an S-shaped anterior canal, a straightened lateral canal and a short common crus. However, lacertids specialized for simple microhabitats (open areas) possess wider but shorter vestibular systems, more circular anterior and lateral canals, and a longer common crus. Contrary to our expectations, species living in simple microhabitats possess more anatomical adaptations that enhance the sensitivity of their vestibular system. This suggests that species inhabiting open areas may benefit from increased sensitivity given that they are potentially more visibile to predators and have lower shelter availability. Finally, the wider shape of the vestibular system of the open area species may be linked to a wider and potentially flattened skull, which may be related to sand-diving or prey hardness.

Assemblages of carabid beetles (Col. Carabidae) and ground-dwelling spiders (Araneae) in natural and artificial regeneration of pine forests

Carabid beetles and spiders are at the top of the hierarchy of general invertebrate predators, which can help to reduce the abundance of harmful forest pests. They are also frequently used as environmental indicators. In this paper we analyzed the abundance, species richness and changes in carabid beetle and spider assemblages in three treatments of pine forest regeneration — natural, natural with soil prepared by ploughing and artificial with seedlings planted in ploughed soil. The most beneficial forest regeneration treatment variant of forest regeneration for carabid beetles and spiders was the natural regeneration of pine stands without any preceding soil preparation. Both taxa responded strongly to soil ploughing. We also noted the replacement of forest species by less sensitive open area species. In carabid assemblages, large changes in the trophic structure were observed, as predatory species were replaced by hemizoophages in the ploughed treatments.

Foraging of White StorkCiconia ciconiain Forests – The Heritage of an Ancient Behaviour?

The white stork Ciconia ciconia is a typical open-area species, foraging mainly in farmland and wetland areas. The main aim of this paper was to describe the foraging ecology of white storks inside un-typical habitat, i.e. forests in Poland. Data on white stork feeding in forests were based on responses to questionnaires distributed to several national mailing lists with a total of 1700 (16% subscribers) and via emails to naturalists (mainly to white stork researchers). In total 63 observations, from the years 2000–2015, were collected, mainly from eastern Poland. In all cases, only a single adult individual was recorded inside the forest, with a mean (±SD) distance to the forest edge of 50 ± 102 m (n = 597) and 1315 ± 1015 m (n = 63) to the nearest white stork nest. Birds foraging inside forests were recorded from late May to mid-August, but the greatest numbers were seen during June. The main prey was a lizard, the slow-worm Anguis fragilis, with a maximum of 10 individuals collected by a stork during one foraging session. We discuss the origin of the observed foraging behaviour, noting that the species is flexible and opportunistic in terms of consumed food. The observed foraging is probably similar to the original behaviour of the species within primeval forest, although food opportunism helps the white stork to use new foraging areas, for example landfills.

Biodiversity thresholds in invertebrate communities: The responses of dung beetle subgroups to forest loss.

Extinction thresholds have been predicted to be critical values of habitat loss in which an abrupt reduction in populations occurs through the interaction between reduced habitat and increased isolation in the landscape. In communities, extinction thresholds are referred to as ‘biodiversity thresholds’. The biodiversity threshold values documented so far occur between 30% and 50% of habitat cover in landscapes. However, the assessment of biodiversity thresholds has mainly focused on vertebrate and plant communities. Here, we evaluated the occurrence of biodiversity thresholds in dung beetle communities by sampling ten 3,600 ha Atlantic Forest landscapes with forest cover ranging from 5% to 55%. We analysed the response patterns (abundance, gamma and mean alpha diversity) of community subgroups with different levels of forest dependency (forest species, generalist species, and open-area species) using model selection, comparing null, linear, bell-shaped and logistic models. The response of the community of forest species equally fits both linear and logistic models predicting a biodiversity threshold at 25% forest cover. Generalist species showed peak abundance at 20% forest cover although this result reflects a very poor generalist assembly. Open-area specialists did not respond to the amount of forest. The two most plausible models for forest species suggest two different biodiversity management options. Since the biodiversity threshold model represents a more dramatic scenario for the loss of biodiversity in Atlantic forest landscapes, we suggest, based on precautionary principle, that our results should strength guidelines that consider minimum values of forest cover in management strategies to avoid abrupt biodiversity loss and impacts on ecosystem services.