Impacts of land use and invasive species on native avifauna of Mo’orea, French Polynesia

PeerJ

article

Vanessa M. ZoBell¹  Brett J. Furnas² 

[1] Department of Wildlife, Fish, and Conservation Biology, University of California;Department of Environmental Science, Policy, and Management, University of California;Wildlife Investigations Laboratory, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Rancho Cordova

关键词: Passerine;    Avifauna;    Mo’orea;    French polynesia;    Endemic;    Agriculture;    Forest;    Deforestation;    Invasive;    Non-native;   

DOI  :  10.7717/peerj.3761

学科分类：社会科学、人文和艺术（综合）

来源: Inra

【 摘 要 】

Oceanic islands are among the most endemically biodiverse ecosystems in the world. They have been adversely impacted by human expansion, which affects regional biodiversity by altering the natural habitats of vulnerable, indigenous species. Birds represent a valuable indicator species of environmental change due to their ability to adapt quickly. Investigating the relationship between environmental change, abundance, and behaviors of birds can help us better anticipate potential impacts to island ecosystems. In addition, we can understand the population trends and restricted ranges of native avifauna, identify the regions needing protection, and assess habitat vulnerability linked to anthropogenic activities. In Mo’orea, French Polynesia, we studied nine passerine bird species using automated acoustic recording devices placed in agricultural, forested, and mixed habitats. Based on call counts per unit time and occupancy modeling, we found evidence that three non-native species preferred agricultural areas and low-canopy cover over dense forested areas. Furthermore, native bird detectability and possibly abundance was significantly lower than non-native birds. Using hierarchical cluster analysis to support inferences regarding behavioral differences, we found that native bird calling activity was negatively associated with non-native bird calling activity. Altogether, these results suggest native bird populations are at risk in all of the habitats studied, but forests serve as a potential refuge.

【 授权许可】

CC BY