Infrastructure and birds in Latin American cities

S. CAULA; A. FAGGI

Congreso; " Congress of the Society of Urban Ecology; 2016

SURE

Much has been discussed about the complex factors affecting avian species composition and abundance in the city, but certainly urbanizing areas are environmental filterS, that leave many birds out of their borders. The general trends observed are (1) vulnerable birds are replaced by generalist ones able to find and use sources of food and shelter found in urban environments and that (2) bird richness in the cities, is expected to be lower than in the surrounding areas. However, with the right form and organization urban areas can provide better opportunities to biodiversity.In Latin America, the model of the compact city prevails, but densities are higher compare to other regions, and peripheries are less fragmented when the geographical context is taken in consideration. However, the cities are expanding fast and there is an underlying fragmentation trend towards increasing sprawl. In addition, the extreme social and economic differences displayed by cities generate even a more complex mosaic of urban structures and ecosystem management systems.We review more than hundred Latin American studies of the last decades that have clarified the interaction between grey, green, blue and brown infrastructure and observed patterns of bird?s populations and communities. The objectives were to know if there are general trends how urban infrastructures influence avian diversity and distribution in terms of the services that infrastructures offer, regarding multifunctionality, connectivity, habitability and resiliency. Also to give advice in policies designed to improve ecosystem health and human interactions with nature.Most of the studies have addressed green areas (parks, urban reserves, gardens, forestry) and water courses as birds richness and abundances have been positively related to vegetation traits (structure and floristic attributes of planted and native209vegetation, shrub and tree richness, height and cover) and the presence of water. On the contrary, less is known in relation to non-vegetation variables, such as buildings (density, height, and display) and brown infrastructures (landfills and waste dumps).Results showed that the most widespread urban-exploiters are exotic birds like the House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) and the Rock Pigeon (Columba livia), but many native generalists live in Latin American cities as urban adapters and many regional native birds are observed in the periurban areas.Evidences show the need to implement strategies to promote biodiversity within urban areas, considering the enhancement of public and private greening in the city, creating green corridors and controlling the way in which cities are sprawling. Such dimensions will help to preserve the local and regional diversity.