Bird community in a forest patch isolated by the urban matrix at the Sinos River basin, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil, with comments on the possible local defaunation

Braz J Biol. 2010 Dec;70(4 Suppl):1137-48. doi: 10.1590/s1519-69842010000600002.

Abstract

We compared the avifauna recorded in a recent survey in an urban park (Parque Municipal Henrique Luís Roessler, Parcão) and surroundings, Novo Hamburgo, RS, with past data, to evaluate the possible alterations in species composition over time. Of the 265 species compiled as original elements of that region, 114 were found at Parcão. Among forest species, 37% were considered locally extinct. The most affected guild was the large frugivores, with nine extinct species and one survivor (Trogon surrucura). Birds highly sensitive to disturbance as well as endemic species were the most extinguished. The possible causes for this loss are fragmentation, hunting and environmental changes. The diversity today is threatened, thus conservation measures are necessary in that region. The most important actions are: maintenance of ecological corridors, protection of natural remnant areas and the establishment of protected areas.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biodiversity*
  • Birds / classification*
  • Brazil
  • Conservation of Natural Resources
  • Environment*
  • Environmental Monitoring
  • Extinction, Biological*
  • Population Density
  • Population Dynamics
  • Time Factors
  • Trees*
  • Urban Population