Effect of urbanization on bird community in riparian environments in Caí River, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

Authors

  • Jaqueline Brummelhaus Universidade do Vale do Rio dos Sinos
  • Márcia Sueli Bohn Universidade do Vale do Rio dos Sinos
  • Maria Virginia Petry Universidade do Vale do Rio dos Sinos

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5007/2175-7925.2012v25n2p81

Abstract

Urbanization produces changes in riparian environments causing effects in the structure of bird communities, which respond differently to impacts. We compare richness, abundance and composition of birds in riparian environments with different urbanization gradients in Caí River, Rio Grande do Sul. We conducted observations in woodland, grassland and urban environments, between September/2007 and August/2008. We recorded 130 bird species, 29 species unique to woodland environments, including an endangered species: Triclaria malachitacea. Bird abundance differed between woodland and urban environments (426 individuals in woodland, 721 in grassland and 939 in urban). Species composition and feeding guilds contributed significantly to differentiation of bird community structures in these three riparian environments. In open environments (grassland and urban) we recorded more generalist feeding guilds and bird species, while in riparian woodland environments, we find guilds and species more sensitive to human impacts. Bird species may be biological quality indicators and contribute to natural economy. With the knowledge of bird community structure and their needs, it is possible to establish management practices for riparian restoration of degraded environments in the region.

Author Biographies

Jaqueline Brummelhaus, Universidade do Vale do Rio dos Sinos

Doutoranda em Biologia pelo Laboratório de Ornitologia e Animais Marinhos e Laboratório de Biologia Molecular da Universidade do Vale do Rio dos Sinos.

Márcia Sueli Bohn, Universidade do Vale do Rio dos Sinos

Bióloga formada pela UNISINOS, com trabalho de conclusão de curso realizado pelo Laboratório de Ornitologia e Animais Marinhos.

Maria Virginia Petry, Universidade do Vale do Rio dos Sinos

Coordenadora do Laboratório de Ornitologia e Animais Marinhos, professora e pesquisadora da UNISINOS.

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Published

2012-02-06

Issue

Vol. 25 No. 2 (2012)

Section

Artigos

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License Creative Commons Atribuição 4.0 Internacional - CC BY

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