Author:
Bonifacio R S,Kinross C M,Gurr G M,Nicol H
Abstract
Shelterbelts are common features of farm landscapes that provide shelter for livestock and crops and timber but
may also benefit wildlife. The importance of shelterbelt plant diversity for birds was investigated by a survey of 62
sites in the Central West region of New South Wales, Australia. An area search technique was used to assess bird
occurrence. An all subsets and exponential regression analysis approach explored the relationships between woody
plant diversity and avifauna diversity (using Hill’s diversity index), whilst seasonal variations were analysed using restricted
maximum likelihood. Sixty-six bird species, including many that are woodland-dependent, representing eight foraging
guilds, were observed in the shelterbelts. More species of birds occurred and at higher density in more floristically
diverse shelterbelts. Other factors found to influence avifaunal use of shelterbelts were woody plant density, shelterbelt
width, structural complexity, tree height, crown cover index and elevation. Seasonal analysis confirmed the importance
of these independent variables but also revealed the significance of shelterbelt’s proximity to water during summer for
birds using this habitat. This study shows that floristic diversity, amongst other factors, is a significant predictor of
avifauna diversity in shelterbelts and suggests that shelterbelts may be designed to optimize their wildlife habitat and
biodiversity conservation values.
Subject
Nature and Landscape Conservation,Ecology
Cited by
9 articles.
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