ABSTRACT
Urbanization is currently one the most important causes of biodiversity loss. The Colombian Andes is a well-known hotspot for biodiversity, however, it also exhibit high levels of urbanization, making it a useful site to document how species assemblages respond to habitat transformation. To do this, we compared the structure and composition of bird assemblages between rural and urban habitats in Armenia, a medium sized city located in the Central Andes of Colombia. In addition, we examined the influence of urban characteristics on bird species diversity within the city of Armenia. From September 2016 to February 2017 we performed avian surveys in 76 cells (250 x 250 m each) embedded within Armenia city limits; and in 23 cells (250 x 250 m each) in rural areas around Armenia. We found that bird diversity was significantly lower in urban habitats than in rural habitats, and differed in species composition by 29%. In urban cells, with higher abiotic noise intensity and higher impervious surface area, we found lower bird diversity than that in urban cells with higher guadual (Guadua angustifolia patches), and forested surface areas. We did not find segregation of urban cells according to the species composition, although additional bird surveys inside urban forests remnant are needed to be more conclusive about this aspect. Altogether, our results highlight the importance of green areas embedded within cities to conserve bird diversity through reducing the ecological impact of urbanization on avian biodiversity.
Subject(s)
Biodiversity , Birds/physiology , Environment , Urbanization , Animals , Cities , Colombia , Ecosystem , Forests , Humans , Population Density , Urbanization/trendsABSTRACT
La naturalización de especies no nativas ha sido bien documentada en zonas templadas, pero poco se sabe sobre las regiones tropicales. Entender el proceso de expansión de rango geográfico de especies generaría estrategias de manejo y conservación. En esta nota se documenta la presencia de Ara macao y Amazona ochrocephala, así como el primer registro de un híbrido en estado salvaje en las zonas urbanas y rurales del departamento del Quindío (Andes centrales) de Colombia. Por medio de observación directa se logró identificar una alta capacidad de adaptación de la especie A. macao e híbrido a las condiciones rurales y urbanas de las zonas bajas del departamento entre los municipios de Armenia y la Tebaida. Se observaron varios individuos de A. ochrocephala las cuales se catalogaron como aves errantes. En total se reportan 17 especies de psitácidos dentro del departamento del Quindío. Se recalca la importancia de la presencia de estas aves no nativas en ecosistemas donde no habitan naturalmente por sus posibles implicaciones al cambiar la composición de la avifauna nativa, así como se incentiva el monitoreo para futuros planes de manejo y conservación.
The naturalization of non-native species has been well documented in temperate zones, but little is known about tropical regions. Understanding the process of expanding geographic range of species generated management and conservation strategies. In this note is documented the presence of Ara macao and Amazona ochrocephala, and the first record of a hybrid in the wild in urban and rural areas of the department of Quindío, Central Andes of Colombia. Through direct observation it was possible to identify a high adaptability of the species A. macao and hybrid to the rural and urban conditions of low-lying areas of the department between the municipalities of Armenia and Tebaida. Several individuals of A. ochrocephala which were categorized as wandering birds were observed. A total 17 species of parrots in the department of Quindío are reported. The importance of the presence of these non-native birds in ecosystems where naturally inhabit its possible implications to changing the composition of the native avifauna is emphasized, as well as monitoring for future conservation and management plans are encouraged.
