Fire regimes shape biodiversity: responses of avian guilds to burned forests in Andean temperate ecosystems of southern Chile

Novoa, Fernando; Altamirano, Tomás A.; Bonacic, Cristián; Martin, Kathy; Ibarra, José Tomás

doi:10.5751/ace-01999-160222

Cited by 14 publications

(20 citation statements)

References 58 publications

(75 reference statements)

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“…On the other hand, we found stronger support for stand structural complexity rather than individual forest attributes explaining densities of Rhinocryptidae species. The combined presence of forest attributes is an important resource that allows these species to reproduce, feed, and find shelter (Vergara et al 2017, Novoa et al 2021). This suggests that the mechanisms underlying the negative effects of habitat disturbance on our focal species are likely operating in a multivariate way.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Our focal species S. rubecula , P. tarnii , S. magellanicus , and S. desmursii are endemic species of lesser conservation concern (IUCN 2022). However, in recent decades, the degradation of native forest, the expansion of non-native tree plantations, and the historical use of fire to open up agricultural and livestock areas have been identified as causing a rapid loss of structural attributes that are key for the natural history of these birds (Ibarra and Martin 2015b, Soler et al 2016, McFadden and Dirzo 2018, Novoa et al 2021). A meta-analysis suggests that it is necessary to retain between 40% and 60% of structural attributes if secondary forests are to maintain an assemblage of birds similar to that of relatively undisturbed native forests (Basile et al 2019).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…However, the complexity of some secondary forests can also resemble that of old-growth forests due to a high presence of habitat legacies (Caviedes and Ibarra 2017). The persistence of these attributes after a disturbance may allow a level of structural complexity that facilitates regeneration of the vegetation (McElhinny et al 2005, Caviedes and Ibarra 2017, Ehbrecht et al 2017, Lindenmayer 2019, Novoa et al 2021). Natural disturbances such as insect outbreaks, wildfires, or strong-wind events can affect a forest's structural complexity (Seidl et al 2017).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…These 4 bird species are generally considered “understory specialists” (Carmona et al 2002, Díaz et al 2005, Díaz et al 2019, Altamirano et al 2017). In recent decades, the degradation of native forest, the expansion of non-native tree plantations, and the historical use of human-induced fire to open new agricultural and livestock areas have caused a rapid loss of structural attributes that are key for the natural history of these birds (Ibarra and Martin 2015a, Soler et al 2016, McFadden and Dirzo 2018, Novoa et al 2021).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Structural complexity is a better predictor than single habitat attributes of understory bird densities in Andean temperate forests

Concha,

Caviedes,

Novoa

et al. 2023

Ornithological Applications

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The simplification of forest structural complexity, caused by anthropogenic land-use practices, is one of the main threats to understory specialist birds. We examined the association of both single structural attributes and structural complexity, with the density of 4 understory bird species in the Global Biodiversity Hotspot “Chilean Winter Rainfall-Valdivian Forests” of South America. Between 2011 and 2013, we surveyed habitat attributes and conducted bird point counts in 505 plots in Andean temperate ecosystems in Chile. In each habitat plot, we measured understory density, volume of coarse woody debris (CWD), number of snags, diameter at breast height (DBH) of trees, and leaf litter depth. With these attributes, we developed an index of stand structural complexity (ISC). On average, old-growth forests had higher values for understory density, CWD volume, DBH, and litter depth than secondary forests and open fields, and thus greater values of ISC. The density of understory birds was positively correlated with the ISC for the Rhinocryptidae Pteroptochos tarnii, Scelorchilus rubecula, and Scytalopus magellanicus. We also found a positive association between understory density and litter depth, with the density of the Furnariidae Sylviorthorhynchus desmursii. However, this latter species showed a negative association with the density of snags. Our results suggest the utility of using an index of structural complexity, rather than single or even additive habitat attributes, for determining the density of understory specialist birds. We recommend that management plans should promote the retention of habitat attributes that contribute to the structural complexity of temperate forests of South America and beyond.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Structural complexity is a better predictor than single habitat attributes of understory bird densities in Andean temperate forests

Concha,

Caviedes,

Novoa

et al. 2023

Ornithological Applications

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“…Our results suggested that these parameters do not present adaptive relevance in underground burrows located in streamside environments (Table 3). Novoa et al (2021) reported that the interspecific variations in the dimensions of the burrows (height, diameter and length) of birds that nest in roadside banks in Chile are related to the body dimensions of the species (size and weight), but that such variations did not result in different rates of predation. With respect to nest height, predators may have two nest-access routes, one below and one above the nests, due to the local conditions, according to which, stream banks did not exceed 4 m (Fig.…”

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confidence: 99%

Breeding Success of Primary and Secondary Burrow-Nesting Birds on Stream Banks in Central Brazil

et al. 2023

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Underground burrow nests of three bird species: Amazonian Motmot Momotus momota, Rufous-tailed Jacamar Galbula ruficauda and Swallow Tanager Tersina viridis were monitored for eight years on stream banks, in a Seasonal Semideciduous Forest, to enable determining whether, or not, being a burrow excavator bird is associated with nest predation, and how important the role played by nest dimensions in this nesting system is. Predation was the main cause of nest failures, although there was no significant difference in nest predation between secondary (SCN) and primary (PCN) cavity (burrow)-nesting species. Offspring predation rate was the only one recording significant result; the lowest offspring predation rate was associated with PCN species — Amazonian Motmot but, again, there was no significant difference between PCN and SCN species. On the other hand, SCN species — Swallow Tanager has compensated offspring losses due to its increased fecundity, which enabled two broods per breeding season. No nest parameter has influenced predation rates, although our data suggested the need of further investigating the length of the nest access tunnel.

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Early-succession secondary forests following agropastoral abandonment are key winter habitats for the conservation of a priority bird in the European Alps

et al. 2022

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In contrast to old-growth forests, early-successional stands remain understudied despite potentially harbouring species of conservation interest. With this work, focused on hazel grouse Tetrastes bonasia, a cryptic and indicator species known to select for close-to-natural forests, we evaluated winter densities, home range, microhabitat selection and diet, combining DNA-based mark-recapture and metabarcoding from faecal samples. In total, 216 droppings, collected over 2 years along forest transects in the Italian Alps, were successfully genotyped and 43 individuals were identified. Density estimates were similar to values reported by other studies in the Alps with an average of 4.5 and 2.4 individuals/km2 in the first and second study year, respectively, and mean home ranges estimated at 0.95 km2. According to habitat selection models and eDNA-based diet analysis, hazel grouse selected early-succession secondary-growth forests formed after the abandonment of traditional agropastoral activities. These forests, mostly composed of hazel Corylus avellana, Norway spruce Picea abies and Sorbus spp., provided winter food resources and shelter. The diet analysis also highlighted forest arthropods as a non-negligible source of food. Birds avoided areas subject to intensive browsing by ungulates; small forest roads seasonally closed to traffic had positive influence on hazel grouse (i.e. higher abundance of droppings), while roads open to traffic had no effect. Importantly, despite the high coverage of mature forest habitats of Community Interest (53% of our study area), droppings were more abundant in non-listed early-succession secondary forests with similar plant composition. Our results suggest that forest succession after agropastoral abandonment may be beneficial for some forest birds of conservation interest, while acknowledging its negative effects on the previous grassland biodiversity. Graphical abstract

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Fire regimes shape biodiversity: responses of avian guilds to burned forests in Andean temperate ecosystems of southern Chile

Cited by 14 publications

References 58 publications

Structural complexity is a better predictor than single habitat attributes of understory bird densities in Andean temperate forests

Structural complexity is a better predictor than single habitat attributes of understory bird densities in Andean temperate forests

Breeding Success of Primary and Secondary Burrow-Nesting Birds on Stream Banks in Central Brazil

Early-succession secondary forests following agropastoral abandonment are key winter habitats for the conservation of a priority bird in the European Alps

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