Heterogeneity of bird communities in a mosaic of habitats on a restinga ecosystem in southeast Brazil

Abstract

ABSTRACT. Restinga occurs as a narrow band of coastal habitats throughout the Atlantic Forest, although it presents considerable variation in vegetation structure, which likely contributes to heterogeneity in species inhabiting this endangered ecosystem. The goal of this study is to examine how variation in vegetation and abiotic conditions in the restinga ecosystem may contribute to heterogeneity of bird communities in Restinga de Jurubatiba, Brazil. Temperature, relative humidity, and vegetation structure were sampled to characterize four sites (dry forest, flooded forest, open scrub and closed scrub). Birds were sampled using observations, mist-netting and voice recordings. Results indicate that major differences of all variables occur between forest and scrub in both vegetation and birds. In addition, differences also exist within forests and within scrub, resulting in considerable heterogeneity among sampled areas. Scrub sites were richer in bird species (n = 58) than forest sites (n = 41), while closed scrub had the most species (n = 49). Also, 64% (47 of 73) of bird species were exclusive to forest or scrub habitats. Scrub habitats were more similar to each other than forest habitats. Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) calculated from satellite images distinguished scrub sites and may be useful to monitor changes in vegetation patches through time. The restinga ecosystem is quite heterogeneous with considerable turnover in bird species composition and differences in vegetation structure. Forest strips may serve as connectors on the landscape and to help maintain species diversity and conservation of forest species. Also, this highly dynamic ecosystem, which includes a mosaic of habitat types, likely promotes resilience of bird populations under changing conditions.

Influence of habitat heterogeneity on anuran diversity in Restinga landscapes of the Parnaíba River delta, northeastern Brazil

“…These studies included lowland forests that can be very important for explaining the differences in anuran composition between them. The high habitat heterogeneity in Restinga environments ( Gomes et al 2016 ), however, could also account for those differences.…”

Avifauna Associada a Muçunungas: Composição E Uso Do Habitat

“…como Thamnophilus ambiguus, que utiliza formações florestais em distintos estágios sucessionais, inclusive áreas semiabertas (Gomes et al 2016).…”

Do banco da canoa

“…Sua formação está relacionada com os movimentos de transgressão e regressão do nível do mar, que datam mais de 100 mil anos (COELHO et al, 2010). As restingas formam um ecossistema heterogêneo, com considerável fluxo migratório de espécies de aves (GOMES et al;2016).…”