The tropical Andes are a biodiversity hotspot, hosting more than 1,700 species of birds, many of which are endemic and found nowhere else in the world.
However, these birds are facing a serious threat from deforestation, as agricultural development expands and fragments their habitats.
A new study by researchers from the Florida Museum of Natural History and the University of Bern revealed how different bird species are affected by habitat loss and provided recommendations for their conservation.
How deforestation affects Andean birds
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The researchers combined a meta-analysis of papers on birds across the Andes with five years of fieldwork in Peru, where they surveyed the bird communities in various landscapes, from pristine forests to open farmlands.
They used three sampling techniques: point count surveys, which rely on listening for bird calls; flock surveys, which use visual observation of flying birds; and mist-netting, which captures birds in the understory.
The results showed that deforestation reduces the number of bird species in an area by up to 60%, depending on the type and extent of habitat loss.
The study also identified which bird species are most sensitive or resilient to disturbance, based on their habitats and diets.
For example, birds that feed on insects in the canopy, such as tanagers and flycatchers, are more sensitive than birds that feed on seeds or fruits on the ground, such as finches and doves.
Birds that live in high-elevation forests, such as hummingbirds and tapaculos, are more resilient than birds that live in low-elevation forests, such as toucans and woodpeckers.
The study also found that some bird species can benefit from moderate levels of disturbance, such as silvopastures, where trees and grasses coexist with livestock grazing.
These habitats can provide food and shelter for birds that prefer open or edge habitats, such as raptors and sparrows.
However, these benefits are outweighed by the negative impacts of habitat loss on the overall bird diversity and ecosystem functioning.
The researchers suggested that the best way to conserve bird diversity is to preserve large areas of intact forest, especially in high-elevation regions where many endemic and threatened species occur.
They also recommended restoring degraded forests by planting native trees and reducing grazing pressure.
Additionally, they proposed creating buffer zones around protected areas to reduce edge effects and promote connectivity between forest patches.
There is also an emphasis on the importance of involving local communities in conservation efforts, as they have a strong cultural connection to the land and the birds.
Conservation projects should provide incentives and benefits for local people, such as alternative livelihoods, education, and ecotourism opportunities.
They also advocate for raising awareness and appreciation of the value and beauty of Andean birds among the public.
The study concluded that by implementing these strategies, it is possible to conserve hundreds of Andean bird species that are at risk due to deforestation.
Nevertheless, according to the researcher, more research on the ecology and behavior of these birds are needed, as well as their responses to climate change and other threats.
By understanding how different bird species cope with habitat loss, conservationists can design more effective and targeted actions to protect them.
