BIRD DIVERSITY AND THEIR RELATIONSHIP WITH HABITAT CHARACTERISTICS IN HIGH ANDEAN PEATBOGS

JOSENS, M. L; IZQUIERDO, A. E.; OSINAGA, O.; GRAU, H. RICARDO; MARTIN, E.

ARDEOLA

SOC ESPANOLA ORNITOLGIA

Año: 2017

0570-7358

High Andean peatbogs are key functional wetlands in the dry Puna region; with a main role in conserving local biodiversity, including bird communities. We surveyed bird communities from 18 peatbogs located in Argentinean Puna (Salta and Catamarca Provinces) to describe their species composition, their patterns of species richness and diversity; and the relationship with landscape attributes and local environmental variables. In the surveys conducted during 2014- 2015 summer we registered a total of 60 species belonging to 21 families. Species richness ranged from six to 20 species per peatbog. The Bright-rumped Yellow-finch (Sicalis uropygialis), Ash-breasted Sierra Finch (Phrygilus plebejus), Golden-spotted Ground Dove (Metriopelia aymara) and Puna Miner (Geositta punensis), were the most representative species in abundance. The change in bird species composition among peatbogs showed a nested structure. Bird richness and abundance were correlated with peatbog shape (increasing in irregular ones) and connectivity; and size to a lesser extent. The present study shows that Argentinean High Andean peatbogs support an abundant and diverse avifauna, particularly when they are irregular and well connected with other peatabogs and other wetlands.