Spatial diversity patterns of birds in a vegetation mosaic of the Pantanal, Mato Grosso, Brazil

Abstract

In this contribution we characterize the spatial diversity of bird populations in a heterogeneous landscape with respect to vegetation in the northern Pantanal region of Brazil. The method of additive partitioning of species diversity (γ = α + β) was used. Samples were collected in a grid with 30 sampling plots within a 25 km² area (5 x 5 km). A total of 163 bird species were found, comprising 114 resident species and 49 regional migrants. Most species were restricted spatially, with 58% found in a maximum of five sampling plots, while 15% were found in only one plot. The beta diversity comprised 77% of total diversity and was lower for residents than for regional migrants (66% and 88%, respectively). This suggests greater spatial heterogeneity in diversity patterns for regional migrants. Seasonal availability of resources caused by changing water levels as well as anthropogenic influences may also play a role in species diversity patterns by influencing species composition across sampling plots. High beta diversity and species-specific habitat occupancy suggest that conservation and management strategies should be implemented at a regional spatial scale and focus on the conservation of this environmental mosaic

Investigation of Influenza A, West Nile and Newcastle Disease Viruses in Birds from the Pantanal Wetlands of Mato Grosso, Brazil

“…Species were identified based on the field guide of Qwynne et al (2010), and, after completing the capture and sample collection processes, the birds were released. The sampling effort involved 1200 mist net/hours (Signor & Pinho, 2011) and encompassed a total area of 100m at each collection point.…”

“…Most of these species depend on multiple habitats to survive throughout the year, and the annual flood pulse of the Pantanal attracts many migratory birds, further contributing to the diversity of birds in this region (Pinho, 2005, Signor & Pinho, 2011.…”

“…According to the first bird survey in the Brazilian Pantanal wetlands performed in 1986 by Brown Jr. (1986), and more recent surveys, the birds occurring most frequently in the Pantanal belong to the family Tyrannidae with 48 species, followed by the family Emberizidae with 21 species, including both resident and migratory birds Signor & Pinho, 2011). Many of these birds, being they migratory, wild or domestic, are natural hosts and transmit various infectious viruses, such as Influenza A, West Nile and Newcastle Disease (Fernandes et al, 2010, Flores & Weiblen, 2009.…”

Size-dependent response of tropical wetland fish communities to changes in vegetation cover and habitat connectivity

“…The PLTSS occupies an area of 25 km 2 (56°21 0 W, 56°18 0 E, 16°19 0 N, 16°22 0 S) throughout three private properties where the main activity is livestock production. The PLTSS consists of a square grid containing 30 plots (250 m length 9 1 m width) that follow the topographic gradient and are located 1 km apart (for more details see Fernandes et al 2010;Signor and Pinho 2011). In this region, the wet season is from December to June and the dry season is from July to November.…”

Factors structuring the spatial distribution of Chironomidae larvae community in the floodplain of the northern Pantanal, Brazil

“…A sampling plot was established every 1 km on the tracks in the east-west direction. The 250 m long sampling plots were demarcated in order to follow the contour in linear sections 10 to 10 m. The 30 sampling plots have no definite shape, for each sampling plot is the same corner of the field level and aim to minimize the variation of topography within each plot (Signor and Pinho, 2011).…”