Bird functional and taxonomic diversity in xerophytic forests: contributing to balance bird conservation and livestock production

BARZAN FLAVIA; BELLIS LAURA M.; CANAVELLI, SONIA; CALAMARI, N; DARDANELLI, S

AGRICULTURE, ECOSYSTEMS AND ENVIRONMENT

ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV

Lugar: Amsterdam; Año: 2023

0167-8809

Biodiversity is increasingly dependent on the ecological state of agricultural andlivestock systems. Here, we assess the relationship between bird functional andtaxonomic diversity and forest structure along a gradient in grazing intensity inxerophytic forests in Central-East Argentina. We found that bird functional diversityresponds more to forest structure variables than taxonomic diversity. Further, we founda non-linear response of functional and taxonomic richness to grazing intensity,peaking at intermediate intensity. Mature forests with older trees and low grazingintensity favored a wider range of bird traits, such as seed dispersal and cavity nesters.In particular, taxonomic and functional diversity significantly increased with increasingcanopy cover and DBH. In contrast, shrub encroachment, high grazing intensity, andthe decrease of tree density and cover were associated with reduced functionaldiversity, affecting various nesting, foraging, and habitat requirements of birds. Werecommend preserving high canopy cover and older trees and maintaining low grazingintensities to create a synergy between livestock production and biodiversityconservation.