Loss of riparian vegetation associated with decreases in bird specialists: A case study from a subtropical desert

• DOI: 10.1111/aec.12923
• Publication Date: 2020-06-15T09:52:17Z
• Authors: Nataly Hidalgo Ar...; Mauricio Ugarte
• Keywords: 0106 biological sciences; 15. Life on land; 01 natural sciences

Abstract Riparian habitats provide refuge for unique plant and animal assemblages. Many riparian in arid ecosystems have lost most of their vegetation associated fauna, due to a reduction original extension by land transformation. Using case study from the subtropical desert Peru, we quantified avian richness, diversity abundance resident species twelve sites with varying degree anthropogenic impact, using an index (A.I.) as proxy alteration vegetation. Sites lower values A.I. were those highest percentage cover. We found that richness was higher at (low A.I.), although bird did not differ between sites. Five species, mostly insectivorous passerines, showed abundances low A.I., suggesting less cover is such species. Despite its conspicuous presence, Slender‐billed Finch, endemic recorded all sites, when scarcer. Only one opposite trend, Rufous‐collared sparrow, dietary generalist songbird, which more abundant Other 20 analysed no trend. Moreover, several had few records precluding formal statistical analysis. This offers valuable data on negative impact loss native could communities ecosystems, other long‐term exist. The protection, management restoration strips should be priority conservation human‐modified environments, particularly developing countries. Spanish available online material.