Bird communities in forested and human-modified landscapes of Central Panama: a baseline survey for a native species reforestation treatment

Abstract

While deforestation continues to be a threat to species diversity in the tropics, reforestation either by natural succession or human tree planting is also occurring. Very little is known about how bird communities respond to human-mediated reforestation schemes in tropical areas. We surveyed bird communities in Central Panama to compare their abundance and richness in mature forest, young natural succession (fallow pastures), active cattle pastures, and native species reforestation areas. We found the greatest abundance of birds in mature forest, while natural succession areas had slightly greater species richness relative to mature forest. Bird communities were most similar in forest and natural succession areas, and were distinct from bird communities in cattle pastures and reforestation areas. Migratory bird species were most abundant in the young natural succession areas. Reforestation areas that were closer to mature forest had a greater abundance of birds relative to areas further from forests. Our study provides a baseline for future studies at this site that will allow assessment of the speed at which reforestation efforts with tree plantations will support a more diverse and abundant bird community. Moreover, our finding of the greatest species richness and migratory bird abundance in a natural succession habitat supports previous bird community studies in agroforestry and successional habitats.

Disentangling the importance of intrinsic and extrinsic seed dispersal factors in forest restoration success: a global review

“…This is the case of forest cover and connectivity, which were the major factors limiting or favoring seed dispersal. Such factors are positively correlated with the disperser community abundance and composition (Bael et al 2013; Falcão et al 2018), and many authors suggest the benefits for seed rain and seedling recruitment (Chazdon et al 2009; Tambosi et al 2014). Accordingly, assuring connectivity between reference habitats and restoration sites would be essential as the lack of propagules could impede restoration of taxonomic and functional diversity (Hewitt & Kellman 2002; Ibáñez et al 2014).…”

Composition and Diversity of Bird Community in the Chemoga Wetland and the Associated Human-Modified Landscapes, East Gojjam, Ethiopia

“…Many wildlife species are currently facing population decline due to habitat degradation caused by land-use changes [1,2]. Human population growth, in addition to increased demand for settlements, agricultural land, and wood products, is changing vital wildlife habitats around the world [3,4].…”