Richness, composition and detectability of Psittacidae (Aves) in three palm swamps of the Cerrado sensu lato in central Brazil

Abstract

0.62), and their diversity was above 1.56. The Yellow-chevroned Parakeet was considered resident in the three palm swamps (Fr > 60 %). The White-eyed Parakeet and Red-bellied Macaw were the most abundant species in the three areas. Most of the species (n = 5) were more abundant in one of the seasons. The most abundant species in the rainy season were the White-eyed Parakeet and Yellow-chevroned Parakeet (42.16 ± 30.77 individuals), whereas in the dry season the most prevalent was the Red-bellied Macaw (68.50 ± 39.35 individuals). The highest detectability rate was for the Yellow-chevroned Parakeet, which demonstrates the inter-species differences and the need to adapt the methods of research, unclear for this family.]]>

Contributions of Distribution Modelling to the Ecological Study of Psittaciformes

“…Biotic interactions are undoubtedly an important component of species distributions, and these can determine the relationship between parrot species and their habitat. In particular, the relationship between parrots and their food plants works in both ways; the distribution of diet resources contributes to explain the distribution of 11 parrot species in the Cerrado in Brazil [73], and similarly the distribution and density of three large macaws influences the spatial distribution of motacú palm (Attalea princeps) in the Bolivian Amazonas savannas. Parrots have a great behavioral plasticity and different species use several strategies to respond to fluctuations in food availability: switch in diet, shift in habitat use and seasonal movements [74].…”

“…The identification of these patterns requires not only large-scale, but also local scale variables to better describe landscape elements important for parrots' occurrence. For example, key landscape drivers (e.g., woodland structure) determine the occurrence of Agapornis lilianae in the mopane woodlands of Zambia [20]; time since fire influences food resources for the Carnaby's Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus latirostris) in fire-prone landscapes in Australia [67]; whereas seasonal use of foraging habitats explains the dynamics of the Swift Parrot (Lathamus discolor) in Australia [45,73] and the Maroon-fronted Parrot (Rhynchopsitta terrisi) in Mexico [48], in addition to the aforementioned examples of the Cape Parrot and the Superb Parrot in South Africa and Australia [24,70].…”

“…Moreover, the high occupancy of introduced mammal predators may represent an additional threat to the endangered the Swift Parrot (Lathamus discolor) in Australia [41]. Finally, competition and coexistence of parrot species has also been a subject of research in studies using distribution models in areas of high species diversity in the Neotropics [73,76].…”

“…Distribution models (specially SOM methods) are used to improve the design of sampling protocols to select sampling areas, optimize probability of detection and reduce uncertainty in estimates of probability of occurrence or other state variables [20,66,77]. For example, some less-conspicuous parrots such as the Blue-fronted Amazon (Amazona aestiva) and the Peach-fronted Parakeet (Eupsittula aurea) require longer observation times in order to improve detectability [73]. This approach is particularly useful when combining robust sampling designs, automated methods such as camera traps and automatic sound recording, and modeling methods for spatial data analysis [29,42,60].…”

Making inferences about non-detection observations to improve occurrence predictions in Venezuelan Psittacidae

“…Evidence from parrot communities in northern Bolivia suggest that detection probability significantly improves with a larger sampling effort (nine weeks; Berkunsky et al 2015). Recent empirical studies suggest that the detectability rate is significantly correlated with sighting frequency, and less conspicuous psittacids may require longer observation session in order to register the presence of some species (Rodrigues et al 2012).…”