Avifauna of the Serra de Itabaiana National Park revisited: additions and deletions in a period of 15 years

The Serra de Itabaiana National Park (PARNASI) is known as an important conservation area in the ecotone between the Atlantic Forest and Caatinga in Northeast Brazil and is one of the main areas of fauna and flora studies in Sergipe. For this reason, there are some studies on its avifauna, which date back to its creation in 2005. However, after 15 years of establishment of PARNASI, an update of the inventory of birds is necessary due to adjustments in the management of the park. The present study aimed to update the bird inventory of the Serra de Itabaiana National Park, chronologically comparing the new ornithological records obtained, aiming to contribute to the knowledge and conservation of Sergipe's avifauna. The data were compiled from scientific publications, personal files and from documented records on a specialized website. The resulting list includes 227 bird species belonging to 49 families, including Thraupidae (28 species; 12.4%), Tyrannidae (25 species; 11.1%) and Accipitridae (17 species; 7.5%) as the most representative. The most representative guilds were insectivorous (87 species; 38.3%) and omnivorous (60 species; 26.4%), and by species independent of the forest environment (87 species; 38.3%). Fourteen bird species are threatened with extinction. Nine species are endemic to the Caatinga biome, eight to the Atlantic Forest and one to the Cerrado. We added 104 species to the first checklist produced for the PARNASI created in 2005, including Nyctibius grandis (Nyctibiidae), a new record for the state of Sergipe. PARNASI's updated list of bird species allows for a better assessment of its effectiveness in the conservation of the local avifauna, facilitating management actions that allow the coexistence and perpetuation of species over time.(AU)

Bird-plant interaction networks in native forests and eucalyptus plantations within a protected area

Abstract Frugivory is a plant-animal mutualistic interaction carried out mostly by birds. It consists in the bird consumption of fruits with later dispersion of the plants seeds, helping in the vegetation regeneration. Frugivory can be affected by the habitat fragmentation and introduction of exotic species, which may alter the species interaction by extinction or competitor introduction. This study aimed to compare the structure of the network of frugivorous interactions between birds and plants in native forest and eucalyptus plantation. Birds were captured by mist nets and had their feces collected. Later, the seeds were identified in laboratory. The records of fruit consumption by birds in the zoochoric plant species present in the study area were also conducted. The data collected was used to build a network of interactions and identify the most important network metrics, species, and ecological functional groups in the studied environments. The results showed that the species composition, the connectivity of the relationships, the importance of the species for the interaction networks and the number of subgroups within the networks were highly similar between the native forest and the eucalyptus plantation. This could be explained by the favorable conditions that the studied eucalyptus plantations presented, such as the lack of anthropogenic activities, well-developed understory, and the presence of native surrounding vegetation, allowing practically the same seed dispersal capacity in both types of environments.

Bird-plant interaction networks in native forests and eucalyptus plantations within a protected area

Abstract Frugivory is a plant-animal mutualistic interaction carried out mostly by birds. It consists in the bird consumption of fruits with later dispersion of the plants' seeds, helping in the vegetation regeneration. Frugivory can be affected by the habitat fragmentation and introduction of exotic species, which may alter the species interaction by extinction or competitor introduction. This study aimed to compare the structure of the network of frugivorous interactions between birds and plants in native forest and eucalyptus plantation. Birds were captured by mist nets and had their feces collected. Later, the seeds were identified in laboratory. The records of fruit consumption by birds in the zoochoric plant species present in the study area were also conducted. The data collected was used to build a network of interactions and identify the most important network metrics, species, and ecological functional groups in the studied environments. The results showed that the species composition, the connectivity of the relationships, the importance of the species for the interaction networks and the number of subgroups within the networks were highly similar between the native forest and the eucalyptus plantation. This could be explained by the favorable conditions that the studied eucalyptus plantations presented, such as the lack of anthropogenic activities, well-developed understory, and the presence of native surrounding vegetation, allowing practically the same seed dispersal capacity in both types of environments.

Bird-plant interaction networks in native forests and eucalyptus plantations within a protected area

Frugivory is a plant-animal mutualistic interaction carried out mostly by birds. It consists in the bird consumption of fruits with later dispersion of the plants seeds, helping in the vegetation regeneration. Frugivory can be affected by the habitat fragmentation and introduction of exotic species, which may alter the species interaction by extinction or competitor introduction. This study aimed to compare the structure of the network of frugivorous interactions between birds and plants in native forest and eucalyptus plantation. Birds were captured by mist nets and had their feces collected. Later, the seeds were identified in laboratory. The records of fruit consumption by birds in the zoochoric plant species present in the study area were also conducted. The data collected was used to build a network of interactions and identify the most important network metrics, species, and ecological functional groups in the studied environments. The results showed that the species composition, the connectivity of the relationships, the importance of the species for the interaction networks and the number of subgroups within the networks were highly similar between the native forest and the eucalyptus plantation. This could be explained by the favorable conditions that the studied eucalyptus plantations presented, such as the lack of anthropogenic activities, well-developed understory, and the presence of native surrounding vegetation, allowing practically the same seed dispersal capacity in both types of environments.(AU)

Surface activity of Humpback whales Megaptera novaeangliae (Cetacea, Mysticeti) on the northern coast of Bahia, Brazil / Atividades de superfície de baleias jubarte Megaptera novaeangliae (Cetacea, Mysticeti) na costa norte da Bahia, Brasil

As atividades de superfície das baleias jubarte foram estudadas durante as épocas reprodutivas de 2008, 2009 e 2010, na costa norte da Bahia, Brasil, próximo ao distrito de Praia do Forte. Os níveis de atividade de superfície exibidos por 342 grupos de baleias foram avaliados de acordo com o estado do mar (medido pela escala de Beaufort) e cobertura de nuvens. Cinco comportamentos foram registrados: saltos, batida de cabeça, batida da cauda, batida da nadadeira peitoral e cauda parada fora da água. A maioria dos avistamentos ocorreu com o estado 2 do mar na escala de Beaufort, e com uma cobertura de nuvens de 26 a 50%. O comportamento mais registrado durante as atividades de superfície foi a batida de nadadeira peitoral. Os resultados mostraram que o comportamento de superfície das baleias jubarte não parece ser influenciado pelo estado do mar ou pela cobertura de nuvens.

Surface activities of humpback whale groups were studied during the reproductive seasons of 2008, 2009 and 2010 on the northern coast of Bahia State, Brazil, near the district of Praia do Forte. The level of surface activity exhibited by 342 groups of whales was evaluated according to the sea state (measured on the Beaufort scale) and cloud coverage. Five behaviours were recorded: breaching, head slapping, tail slapping, pectoral flipper slapping and tail breaching. Most of the sightings occurred with a sea state classified on the Beaufort scale as 2, and with a cloud coverage of 26 to 50%. The most recorded level of surface activity was pectoral flipper slapping. The results showed that humpback whale behaviours do not seem to be influenced by the sea state or by cloud coverage.

Surface activity of Humpback whales Megaptera novaeangliae (Cetacea, Mysticeti) on the northern coast of Bahia, Brazil / Atividades de superfície de baleias jubarte Megaptera novaeangliae (Cetacea, Mysticeti) na costa norte da Bahia, Brasil

As atividades de superfície das baleias jubarte foram estudadas durante as épocas reprodutivas de 2008, 2009 e 2010, na costa norte da Bahia, Brasil, próximo ao distrito de Praia do Forte. Os níveis de atividade de superfície exibidos por 342 grupos de baleias foram avaliados de acordo com o estado do mar (medido pela escala de Beaufort) e cobertura de nuvens. Cinco comportamentos foram registrados: saltos, batida de cabeça, batida da cauda, batida da nadadeira peitoral e cauda parada fora da água. A maioria dos avistamentos ocorreu com o estado 2 do mar na escala de Beaufort, e com uma cobertura de nuvens de 26 a 50%. O comportamento mais registrado durante as atividades de superfície foi a batida de nadadeira peitoral. Os resultados mostraram que o comportamento de superfície das baleias jubarte não parece ser influenciado pelo estado do mar ou pela cobertura de nuvens.(AU)

Surface activities of humpback whale groups were studied during the reproductive seasons of 2008, 2009 and 2010 on the northern coast of Bahia State, Brazil, near the district of Praia do Forte. The level of surface activity exhibited by 342 groups of whales was evaluated according to the sea state (measured on the Beaufort scale) and cloud coverage. Five behaviours were recorded: breaching, head slapping, tail slapping, pectoral flipper slapping and tail breaching. Most of the sightings occurred with a sea state classified on the Beaufort scale as 2, and with a cloud coverage of 26 to 50%. The most recorded level of surface activity was pectoral flipper slapping. The results showed that humpback whale behaviours do not seem to be influenced by the sea state or by cloud coverage.(AU)

Avifauna of the region of the Volta Grande Hydroelectric Power Plant in Southeast Brazil

The Volta Grande region in the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais is classified as of “High Biological Importance” for the conservation of birds in the state. Despite this, the avifauna of the region has yet to be adequately sampled, as evidenced by the few papers on the region in ornithological literature. The results of an avifaunal inventory conducted between March 2013 and January 2014 in five sites located throughout the region of the Volta Grande Hydroelectric Power Plant in Southeast Brazil are presented. Point-counts, ad libitum observations and mist-nets recorded 224 species for the region, with insectivorous and omnivorous being the predominant feeding habits. Species that are “independent” of forest habitats comprised 52% of the recorded species. Three species are endemics of the Cerrado, 85 are migratory and 33 are under some degree of threat of extinction. These findings demonstrate that the region of the Volta Grande Hydroelectric Power Plant is important for bird conservation. Additional inventories, adequate management plans and public policies aimed the preserving species are needed for more effective conservation of the biodiversity of the studied region.

Avifauna of the region of the Volta Grande Hydroelectric Power Plant in Southeast Brazil

Abstract The Volta Grande region in the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais is classified as of High Biological Importance for the conservation of birds in the state. Despite this, the avifauna of the region has yet to be adequately sampled, as evidenced by the few papers on the region in ornithological literature. The results of an avifaunal inventory conducted between March 2013 and January 2014 in five sites located throughout the region of the Volta Grande Hydroelectric Power Plant in Southeast Brazil are presented. Point-counts, ad libitum observations and mist-nets recorded 224 species for the region, with insectivorous and omnivorous being the predominant feeding habits. Species that are independent of forest habitats comprised 52% of the recorded species. Three species are endemics of the Cerrado, 85 are migratory and 33 are under some degree of threat of extinction. These findings demonstrate that the region of the Volta Grande Hydroelectric Power Plant is important for bird conservation. Additional inventories, adequate management plans and public policies aimed the preserving species are needed for more effective conservation of the biodiversity of the studied region.

Avifauna of the region of the Volta Grande Hydroelectric Power Plant in Southeast Brazil

The Volta Grande region in the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais is classified as of “High Biological Importance” for the conservation of birds in the state. Despite this, the avifauna of the region has yet to be adequately sampled, as evidenced by the few papers on the region in ornithological literature. The results of an avifaunal inventory conducted between March 2013 and January 2014 in five sites located throughout the region of the Volta Grande Hydroelectric Power Plant in Southeast Brazil are presented. Point-counts, ad libitum observations and mist-nets recorded 224 species for the region, with insectivorous and omnivorous being the predominant feeding habits. Species that are “independent” of forest habitats comprised 52% of the recorded species. Three species are endemics of the Cerrado, 85 are migratory and 33 are under some degree of threat of extinction. These findings demonstrate that the region of the Volta Grande Hydroelectric Power Plant is important for bird conservation. Additional inventories, adequate management plans and public policies aimed the preserving species are needed for more effective conservation of the biodiversity of the studied region.(AU)

Impacts of food-based enrichment on behaviour and physiology of male greater rheas (Rhea Americana, Rheidae, Aves)

Distress can be defined as a biological response of an individual to long-term threats to its homeostasis and it should be avoided from an animal welfare perspective. High levels of stress hormones and the expression of abnormal behaviours are responses normally observed in distressed animals. Captive environments can provoke distress, especially when inappropriate stimuli are provided to the animals. The concomitant use of behavioural and non-invasive hormonal measures is a means to evaluate captive animal welfare. Environmental enrichment is a tool that can reduce distress and minimize the expression of abnormal behaviour in captive animals. The aim of this study was to evaluate greater rheas responses (behavioral and hormonal) to food-based enrichment. Three birds from the Belo Horizonte Zoo, Brazil were studied. The study was divided into three phases (baseline, enrichment and post-enrichment): fruits scattered around the birds enclosure were used as enrichment. Behaviour and faecal sampling were undertaken in all phases of the study. Abnormal behaviours and faecal glucocorticoid metabolites (GCM) levels showed significant reduction during the environmental enrichment phase, and a significative positive correlation between GCM production and abnormal pacing was observed. From the results of this study, we conclude that the use of food as environmental enrichment should be encouraged because of its positive effects on animal welfare. Besides, studies with larger groups of greater rheas, with individuals of both sexes, should also be encouraged to evaluate if the results found in this pilot study are consistent and can be generalized to the species.

Knowledge gaps regarding frugivorous ecological networks between birds and plants in Brazil

Vegetation stability, resilience and regeneration can be achieved by various ecological processes, the most important of which is seed dispersion. Among animal groups, birds have the largest number of frugivorous species in the Neotropics. The aim of this study was to conduct a bibliometric analysis to detect general patterns and discover knowledge gaps in order to identify future directions for research into bird frugivory in Brazil. A gap analysis was carried out by obtaining 77 articles published online and evaluating their data in different ways. The results revealed that research on bird frugivory in Brazil was published in 33 scientific journals and financed by 18 national and international funding agencies. The number of publications increased over time, with the majority of them reporting research carried out in biomes of Central-West and South regions of Brazil. The most important bird species in frugivorous interactions in the most studied biomes were identified, including some non-native species. Our results corroborate several other studies, which together demonstrate a lack research on frugivorous interactions in the North and Northeast of Brazil, where there are very important biomes for conservation, such as the Amazon and Caatinga, for which knowledge of seed dispersal processes is needed.

Impacts of food-based enrichment on behaviour and physiology of male greater rheas (Rhea Americana, Rheidae, Aves)

Distress can be defined as a biological response of an individual to long-term threats to its homeostasis and it should be avoided from an animal welfare perspective. High levels of stress hormones and the expression of abnormal behaviours are responses normally observed in distressed animals. Captive environments can provoke distress, especially when inappropriate stimuli are provided to the animals. The concomitant use of behavioural and non-invasive hormonal measures is a means to evaluate captive animal welfare. Environmental enrichment is a tool that can reduce distress and minimize the expression of abnormal behaviour in captive animals. The aim of this study was to evaluate greater rheas responses (behavioral and hormonal) to food-based enrichment. Three birds from the Belo Horizonte Zoo, Brazil were studied. The study was divided into three phases (baseline, enrichment and post-enrichment): fruits scattered around the birds enclosure were used as enrichment. Behaviour and faecal sampling were undertaken in all phases of the study. Abnormal behaviours and faecal glucocorticoid metabolites (GCM) levels showed significant reduction during the environmental enrichment phase, and a significative positive correlation between GCM production and abnormal pacing was observed. From the results of this study, we conclude that the use of food as environmental enrichment should be encouraged because of its positive effects on animal welfare. Besides, studies with larger groups of greater rheas, with individuals of both sexes, should also be encouraged to evaluate if the results found in this pilot study are consistent and can be generalized to the species.(AU)

Knowledge gaps regarding frugivorous ecological networks between birds and plants in Brazil

Vegetation stability, resilience and regeneration can be achieved by various ecological processes, the most important of which is seed dispersion. Among animal groups, birds have the largest number of frugivorous species in the Neotropics. The aim of this study was to conduct a bibliometric analysis to detect general patterns and discover knowledge gaps in order to identify future directions for research into bird frugivory in Brazil. A gap analysis was carried out by obtaining 77 articles published online and evaluating their data in different ways. The results revealed that research on bird frugivory in Brazil was published in 33 scientific journals and financed by 18 national and international funding agencies. The number of publications increased over time, with the majority of them reporting research carried out in biomes of Central-West and South regions of Brazil. The most important bird species in frugivorous interactions in the most studied biomes were identified, including some non-native species. Our results corroborate several other studies, which together demonstrate a lack research on frugivorous interactions in the North and Northeast of Brazil, where there are very important biomes for conservation, such as the Amazon and Caatinga, for which knowledge of seed dispersal processes is needed.(AU)

Enriquecimento ambiental em zoológicos brasileiros: em busca do bem-estar animal / Environmental enrichment in Brazilian zoos: in search for animal welfare

Os animais mantidos em zoológicos enfrentam ameaças constantes ao seu bem-estar. Um animal está com alto bem-estar quando está gozando de completa saúde física e mental. Algumas estratégias são utilizadas para se manter o bem-estar dos animais de zoológicos em níveis altos, como o enriquecimento ambiental. O enriquecimento ambiental consiste em inserir estímulos dentro dos recintos dos animais para que eles tenham a oportunidade de exibir comportamentos mais próximos do natural, melhorando sua saúde física e psicológica. O presente estudo teve o objetivo de avaliar, através de uma análise bibliométrica, como os zoológicos brasileiros têm utilizado a técnica de enriquecimento ambiental para melhorar o bem-estar de seus animais, bem como elencar lacunas que possam nortear futuros estudos com essa temática pelos gestores/técnicos dos zoológicos e pesquisadores. Os dados foram coletados no em três bases: The Web of Science©, Periódicos CAPES© e Google Scholar©. As palavras-chaves utilizadas para procura de artigos nessas bases de dados foram: environmental enrichment, zoo, Brazil. A pesquisa foi realizada a partir do ano de 1945 até 2016. Foram avaliados 52 estudos, que se iniciaram em 2006, sendo a maioria realizados em zoológicos do Sudeste do Brasil, com carnívoros e primatas, e utilizando mais de um tipo de enriquecimento ambiental. A maior parte dos estudos teve avaliação co

Animals kept in zoos face constant threats to their well-being. An animal is in high welfare when it is experiencing complete physical and mental health.Some strategies are used to maintain the well-being of zoo animals at high levels, such as environmental enrichment. Environmental enrichment consists of inserting stimuli into the animals enclosures so that they have the opportunity to exhibit behaviors that are closer to the natural, improving their physical and psychological health. The present study aimed to evaluate, through a bibliometric analysis, how Brazilian zoos have used the technique of environmental enrichment to improve the welfare of their animals, as well as to list gaps that may guide future studies with this theme by the managers/ Zoo technicians and researchers. The data were collected on three databases: The Web of Science ©, PlataformaCAPES © and Google Scholar ©. The keywords used for searching for articles in these databases were: “environmental enrichment, zoo, Brazil”. The survey was performed from 1945 until 2016. Fifty-two studies, which began in 2006, wereevaluated; most of them in zoos in the Southeast of Brazil, with carnivores and primates, and using more than one type of environmental enrichment. Most of the studies was behaviorally evaluated and showed positive effects to the animals. We conclude that studies on the effects of environmental enrichment in the country are still incipient, although they are in rapid growth. Environmental enrichment studies should: consider a greater number of animal species; be delineated with quality, especially concerning the sample size; and be performed by more zoos in Brazil. Finally, studies should be disseminated in quality scientific communication media, so that they can be replicated not only in Brazil but also in zoos around the world.(AU)

Enriquecimento ambiental em zoológicos brasileiros: em busca do bem-estar animal / Environmental enrichment in Brazilian zoos: in search for animal welfare

Os animais mantidos em zoológicos enfrentam ameaças constantes ao seu bem-estar. Um animal está com alto bem-estar quando está gozando de completa saúde física e mental. Algumas estratégias são utilizadas para se manter o bem-estar dos animais de zoológicos em níveis altos, como o enriquecimento ambiental. O enriquecimento ambiental consiste em inserir estímulos dentro dos recintos dos animais para que eles tenham a oportunidade de exibir comportamentos mais próximos do natural, melhorando sua saúde física e psicológica. O presente estudo teve o objetivo de avaliar, através de uma análise bibliométrica, como os zoológicos brasileiros têm utilizado a técnica de enriquecimento ambiental para melhorar o bem-estar de seus animais, bem como elencar lacunas que possam nortear futuros estudos com essa temática pelos gestores/técnicos dos zoológicos e pesquisadores. Os dados foram coletados no em três bases: The Web of Science©, Periódicos CAPES© e Google Scholar©. As palavras-chaves utilizadas para procura de artigos nessas bases de dados foram: environmental enrichment, zoo, Brazil. A pesquisa foi realizada a partir do ano de 1945 até 2016. Foram avaliados 52 estudos, que se iniciaram em 2006, sendo a maioria realizados em zoológicos do Sudeste do Brasil, com carnívoros e primatas, e utilizando mais de um tipo de enriquecimento ambiental. A maior parte dos estudos teve avaliação co

Animals kept in zoos face constant threats to their well-being. An animal is in high welfare when it is experiencing complete physical and mental health.Some strategies are used to maintain the well-being of zoo animals at high levels, such as environmental enrichment. Environmental enrichment consists of inserting stimuli into the animals’ enclosures so that they have the opportunity to exhibit behaviors that are closer to the natural, improving their physical and psychological health. The present study aimed to evaluate, through a bibliometric analysis, how Brazilian zoos have used the technique of environmental enrichment to improve the welfare of their animals, as well as to list gaps that may guide future studies with this theme by the managers/ Zoo technicians and researchers. The data were collected on three databases: The Web of Science ©, PlataformaCAPES © and Google Scholar ©. The keywords used for searching for articles in these databases were: “environmental enrichment, zoo, Brazil”. The survey was performed from 1945 until 2016. Fifty-two studies, which began in 2006, wereevaluated; most of them in zoos in the Southeast of Brazil, with carnivores and primates, and using more than one type of environmental enrichment. Most of the studies was behaviorally evaluated and showed positive effects to the animals. We conclude that studies on the effects of environmental enrichment in the country are still incipient, although they are in rapid growth. Environmental enrichment studies should: consider a greater number of animal species; be delineated with quality, especially concerning the sample size; and be performed by more zoos in Brazil. Finally, studies should be disseminated in quality scientific communication media, so that they can be replicated not only in Brazil but also in zoos around the world.

Riqueza e densidade de aves que nidificam em cavidades em plantações abandonadas de eucalipto

Eucalypt planted forests are replacing natural forests in many areas of the world, impacting wildlife by diminishing availability of habitats and resources. Several species of birds require hollows in trees for nesting, and the lack of this resource may decrease richness and density of cavity-nesting birds in planted forests. The aim of this study was to compare species richness and density of cavity-nesting birds in abandoned eucalypt planted forests and natural forests in two conservation units at Minas Gerais State, southeastern Brazil. Bird surveys were conducted using 25 point counts in both areas during 2013. Species richness was estimated using Jackknife, and density was estimated using the maximum likelyhood; candidate models that could influence abundance of birds were evaluated using Akaike Information Criterion (AIC). Results showed that species richness was higher in native forests and density was significantly higher in native forests than in abandoned eucalypt planted forests, and that vegetation type and hour of day influences the abundance and detection of the birds. These results indicate that abandoned eucalypt planted forests negatively influence the cavity-nesting bird's community, probably due to the lack of cavities or the lack of a recovered understory. Eucalypt planted forests normally do not substitute native forests and their use should be controlled in conservation areas.

Monoculturas de árvores, como as de espécies de eucalipto, têm substituído florestas naturais, impactando a fauna pela perda de habitat e recursos. Diversas espécies de aves necessitam de ocos em árvores para nidificar. A falta de recursos como cavidades formadas pela degradação da árvore ou locais apropriados para serem criadas cavidades leva a diminuição na abundância das populações destas espécies. Este trabalho tem o objetivo de comparar a riqueza e a densidade de aves que nidificam em ocos em áreas de plantação de eucalipto abandonadas com áreas de vegetação nativa em duas unidades de conservação em Minas Gerais. Em cada tipo de vegetação de cada reserva foram estabelecidos 25 pontos, nas quais foi utilizado o método de contagem por remoção para o levantamento das espécies de aves. A riqueza de espécies de aves de cada área foi estimada por Jackniffe e a densidade foi estimada através do método de máxima verossimilhança; modelos candidatos que poderiam influenciar a abundância das aves foram avaliados utilizando-se o Critério de Informação Akaike (AIC). Os resultados mostraram que a riqueza de espécies foi maior nas áreas de florestas nativas e que a densidade foi significantemente mais alta nas áreas de florestas nativas, e que o tipo de vegetação e a hora do dia influenciam na abundância e detecção das aves. Esses resultados indicam que as plantações de eucaliptos influenciam negativamente a comunidade de aves que nidificam em ocos, provavelmente por causa da falta de cavidades ou de sub-bosque. Plantações de eucaliptos normalmente não substituem as florestas nativas e seu uso deve ser controlado em áreas de conservação.

Riqueza e densidade de aves que nidificam em cavidades em plantações abandonadas de eucalipto

Eucalypt planted forests are replacing natural forests in many areas of the world, impacting wildlife by diminishing availability of habitats and resources. Several species of birds require hollows in trees for nesting, and the lack of this resource may decrease richness and density of cavity-nesting birds in planted forests. The aim of this study was to compare species richness and density of cavity-nesting birds in abandoned eucalypt planted forests and natural forests in two conservation units at Minas Gerais State, southeastern Brazil. Bird surveys were conducted using 25 point counts in both areas during 2013. Species richness was estimated using Jackknife, and density was estimated using the maximum likelyhood; candidate models that could influence abundance of birds were evaluated using Akaike Information Criterion (AIC). Results showed that species richness was higher in native forests and density was significantly higher in native forests than in abandoned eucalypt planted forests, and that vegetation type and hour of day influences the abundance and detection of the birds. These results indicate that abandoned eucalypt planted forests negatively influence the cavity-nesting bird's community, probably due to the lack of cavities or the lack of a recovered understory. Eucalypt planted forests normally do not substitute native forests and their use should be controlled in conservation areas.(AU)

Monoculturas de árvores, como as de espécies de eucalipto, têm substituído florestas naturais, impactando a fauna pela perda de habitat e recursos. Diversas espécies de aves necessitam de ocos em árvores para nidificar. A falta de recursos como cavidades formadas pela degradação da árvore ou locais apropriados para serem criadas cavidades leva a diminuição na abundância das populações destas espécies. Este trabalho tem o objetivo de comparar a riqueza e a densidade de aves que nidificam em ocos em áreas de plantação de eucalipto abandonadas com áreas de vegetação nativa em duas unidades de conservação em Minas Gerais. Em cada tipo de vegetação de cada reserva foram estabelecidos 25 pontos, nas quais foi utilizado o método de contagem por remoção para o levantamento das espécies de aves. A riqueza de espécies de aves de cada área foi estimada por Jackniffe e a densidade foi estimada através do método de máxima verossimilhança; modelos candidatos que poderiam influenciar a abundância das aves foram avaliados utilizando-se o Critério de Informação Akaike (AIC). Os resultados mostraram que a riqueza de espécies foi maior nas áreas de florestas nativas e que a densidade foi significantemente mais alta nas áreas de florestas nativas, e que o tipo de vegetação e a hora do dia influenciam na abundância e detecção das aves. Esses resultados indicam que as plantações de eucaliptos influenciam negativamente a comunidade de aves que nidificam em ocos, provavelmente por causa da falta de cavidades ou de sub-bosque. Plantações de eucaliptos normalmente não substituem as florestas nativas e seu uso deve ser controlado em áreas de conservação.(AU)