In fragmented landscapes, agroforest woodlots can potentially act as stepping stones facilitating movement between forest fragments. We assessed the inXuence of agroforest woodlots on bird distribution and diversity in the Atlantic forest region (SE Brazil), and also tested which categories of species can use diVerent types of connection elements, and whether this use is inXuenced by the distance to large forest patches. We studied two fragmented landscapes, with and without stepping stones linking large fragments, and one forested landscape. Using a point count, a bird survey was undertaken in the fragmented landscapes in Wve diVerent elements: large remnants (>400 ha), agroforest woodlots (0.4-1.1 ha), small patches (0.5-7 ha), riparian corridor, and pasture areas (the main matrix). Generalist and open-area species were commonly observed in the agroforest system or other connection elements, whereas only a few forest species were present in these connections. For the latter species, the distance of woodlots to large patches was essential to determine their richness and abundance. Based on our results and data from literature, we suggest that there is an optimal relationship between the permeability of the matrix and the eYciency of stepping stones, which occurs at intermediate degrees of matrix resistance, and is species-dependent. Because the presence of agroforest system favors a higher richness of generalist species, they appeared to be more advantageous for conservation than the monoculture system; for this reason, they should be considered as a management alternative, particularly when the matrix permeability requirement is met.

Gostaria de agradecer a professora Ana Lúcia pela orientação e pela amizade nesses três anos de muito trabalho e desafios.Aos professores Motta Jr. e Jean Paul que juntos colaboraram para tornar este trabalho novidade nos estudos de stepping stones.Ao amigo Ale Uezu, que me ajudou desde a elaboração do delineamento da pesquisa, no trabalho de campo e também na análise dos dados.Aos meus pais William e Grace, e ao meu brother Richard, que me encorajaram nos momentos difíceis e a quem nem consigo encontrar palavras para agradecer.A toda minha família, sem exceção, mas especialmente as minhas avós Iel e Irene, e aos meus tios Reggie, Frank, Patty e Joyce, que me incentivaram e estão sempre interessados no meu trabalho.A todos meus amigos, principalmente a Gisele e o Daniel, companheiros de muitos levantamentos em campo.A amiga Marly, que me ajuda a ficar com a cabeça no lugar certo e que me conhece como ninguém.Aos amigos que fiz e que me acolheram com carinho em suas casas e em suas vidas durante o período em que estive em campo, do assentamento Tucano: