A trait-based risk assessment of South African forest birds indicates vulnerability of hole-nesting species

Cooper, Tessa J. G.; Norris, Kenneth; Cherry, Michael

doi:10.1016/j.biocon.2020.108827

Cited by 5 publications

(11 citation statements)

References 27 publications

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“…We selected 10 traits that have been associated with birds' susceptibility to heatwaves, and for which data are readily available, but we acknowledge that other traits (e.g., associated with behavioural and physiological responses) may also be important for the assessment of vulnerability. Classifying species based on a few available and/or coarse‐resolution traits may simplify actual vulnerability results (Payne et al., 2023). As such, there is a growing need to incorporate finer‐scale traits into CCVAs (Payne et al., 2023).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…However, the results of different approaches for the same species may not be consistent because each approach inputs different variables and combines them in different ways (Hossain et al., 2019; Wheatley et al., 2017). In recent years, with growing evidence of a link between species' traits and climate change impacts, and the growing availability of trait databases (Ding et al., 2022; Etard et al., 2020; Jiguet et al., 2006; Pacifici et al., 2017; Tobias et al., 2022), trait‐based CCVAs have commonly been applied to assess species' vulnerability of large numbers of species more rapidly than would be possible with correlative and mechanistic approaches (e.g., Ameca et al., 2018; Foden et al., 2013; Foden & Young, 2016; Pacifici et al., 2015; Payne et al., 2023; Zhang et al., 2019). Traits provide valuable insights into the factors influencing species' responses to environmental change by encompassing key aspects of a species' morphology, life‐history, physiology, and behavior, and can inform on species' use of resources and space, as well as on population and community‐level processes (Capdevila et al., 2022; Etard et al., 2022; Newbold et al., 2013; Pacifici et al., 2017).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Assessing the global vulnerability of dryland birds to heatwaves

Ding,

Newbold,

Ameca

2024

Global Change Biology

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As global average surface temperature increases, extreme climatic events such as heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense, which can drive biodiversity responses such as rapid population declines and/or shifts in species distributions and even local extirpations. However, the impacts of extreme climatic events are largely ignored in conservation plans. Birds are known to be susceptible to heatwaves, especially in dryland ecosystems. Understanding which birds are most vulnerable to heatwaves, and where these birds occur, can offer a scientific basis for adaptive management and conservation. We assessed the relative vulnerability of 1196 dryland bird species to heatwaves using a trait‐based approach. Among them, 888 bird species are estimated to be vulnerable to heatwaves (170 highly vulnerable, eight extremely vulnerable), of which ~91% are currently considered non‐threatened by the IUCN, which suggests that many species will likely become newly threatened with intensifying climate change. We identified the top three hotspot areas of heatwave‐vulnerable species in Australia (208 species), Southern Africa (125 species) and Eastern Africa (99 species). Populations of vulnerable species recorded in the Living Planet Database were found to be declining significantly faster than those of non‐vulnerable species (p = .048) after heatwaves occurred. In contrast, no significant difference in population trends between vulnerable and non‐vulnerable species was detected when no heatwave occurred (p = .34). This suggests that our vulnerability framework correctly identified vulnerable species and that heatwaves are already impacting the population trends of these species. Our findings will help prioritize heatwave‐vulnerable birds in dryland ecosystems in risk mitigation and adaptation management as the frequency of heatwaves accelerates in the coming decades.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Assessing the global vulnerability of dryland birds to heatwaves

Ding,

Newbold,

Ameca

2024

Global Change Biology

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“…comm.). Nonetheless, this study highlights the necessity for further research on the relationships between the Cape Parrot and primary excavating species that make holes which it could modify as nests, particularly in the context of cavity-nesting species being at risk in South African forests on account of a paucity of nesting sites (Cooper et al 2020). We suggest that in future ARUs could be used in a more comprehensive investigation into the impact of harvesting on Cape Parrot and primary cavity excavators’ breeding activity, by determining whether gradients of harvesting intensity within harvested forests, measured either from the ground or using LiDAR, relate to breeding activity.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…This can be attributed largely to extensive informal harvesting of forest products (Leaver and Cherry 2020a), which affects avian community structure (Leaver et al 2019b), and leads to harvestmediated changes in habitat heterogeneity, negatively affecting forest specialist bird species (Leaver et al 2019a). Cavity-nesting species are particularly vulnerable in South Africa, as shown by Cooper et al (2020) using a trait-based assessment. Specifically, this study found that nesting traits were more important in determining risk than feeding traits for forest birds.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Using acoustic recording units to investigate the effects of logging of indigenous trees in the Amathole forests, South Africa on Cape Parrot Poicephalus robustus breeding and the presence of three primary cavity-excavating bird species

Rea

Elliot

Carstens

et al. 2023

Bird Conservation International

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Summary The Amathole forest complex is the breeding stronghold of the endemic and vulnerable Cape Parrot Poicephalus robustus, and is also one of only two forest complexes in South Africa formally harvested for timber. The aim of this study was to determine if formal harvesting of indigenous trees, primarily the two yellowwood species Afrocarpus falcatus and Podocarpus latifolius, in 9 of 16 Amathole forests has had any effect on the presence of Cape Parrots and three primary nest-excavating species, as well as on parrot breeding. The study used logging data from the past 25 years (1997–2021) as well as data collected by acoustic recording units over two breeding seasons from 2019 to 2021. Cape Parrots were present in 15 of 16 forests, but breeding calls were identified in only seven forests: five in logged and two in unlogged forests. Fourteen of the forests harboured all three primary excavators: Knysna Woodpecker Campethera notata, Olive Woodpecker Dendropicos griseocephalus, and Red-fronted Tinkerbird Pogoniulus pusillus. The last two species were absent from the adjacent Mount Thomas and Kologha forests, respectively, in which parrots were present, but no breeding calls were recorded. Logging of yellowwoods was not found to affect parrot breeding. However, due to the overlap between preferred parrot breeding sites and preferred trees for harvesting, we recommend that harvesting in the five harvested forest blocks where parrot breeding occurs be limited to tree falls, with no standing dead, dying, or damaged trees harvested, to ensure that potential nesting trees are not harvested.

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“…A recent study found cavity nesting forest birds to be particularly vulnerable in South Africa, with increased risk more strongly associated with loss of nesting - as opposed to foraging - sites (Cooper et al 2020). Several authors have called for the termination of yellowwood harvesting given the negative impact it stands to have on already limited nest site availability for Cape Parrots (Wirminghaus et al 1999, Downs and Symes 2004, Wilson et al 2017).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The impact of timber harvesting on nest site availability for the Cape Parrot Poicephalus robustus in native Southern Mistbelt forests of the Eastern Cape, South Africa

Leaver

Carstens²,

Wimberger³

et al. 2022

Bird Conservation International

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Summary The Amathole mistbelt forests in the Eastern Cape, South Africa harbour the largest remnant population of the nationally endangered endemic Cape Parrot Poicephalus robustus, a secondary-cavity nester whose persistence is limited by suitable nest sites. These are also the only forests within Cape Parrot range in which selective timber harvesting remains permitted, but the impact of harvesting on the availability of parrot nest sites has not been investigated. This study aimed to determine the degree to which current harvest selection criteria stand to impact nest site availability. Results showed that Cape Parrots have specific nest tree requirements; and that there is overlap in the species and condition of trees selected for nesting, and harvesting. The two yellowwood species found in the region, Afrocarpus falcatus and Podocarpus latifolius, represented the majority of both harvested trees (78%), and Cape Parrot nest trees (79%). Moreover, both Cape Parrot and harvest selection criteria require large (≥50 cm diameter at breast height; ≥12 m high), old, dead, dying, or crown-damaged yellowwoods, such that 32% of trees considered potential nest trees were also candidates for harvesting. Current selection criteria need to be revised to ensure that timber use is compatible with biodiversity conservation in the Amathole forests. We suggest that all harvesting of dead standing yellowwoods be discontinued; and that the harvesting of live trees with crown damage, which are frequently used by parrots for nesting, be limited by a species-specific maximum harvestable diameter.

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A trait-based risk assessment of South African forest birds indicates vulnerability of hole-nesting species

Cited by 5 publications

References 27 publications

Assessing the global vulnerability of dryland birds to heatwaves

Assessing the global vulnerability of dryland birds to heatwaves

Using acoustic recording units to investigate the effects of logging of indigenous trees in the Amathole forests, South Africa on Cape Parrot Poicephalus robustus breeding and the presence of three primary cavity-excavating bird species

The impact of timber harvesting on nest site availability for the Cape Parrot Poicephalus robustus in native Southern Mistbelt forests of the Eastern Cape, South Africa

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