Event Type
Research Presentation
Academic Department
Environmental Studies
Location
Dana Science Building, 2nd floor
Start Date
25-4-2025 1:00 PM
End Date
25-4-2025 2:30 PM
Description
Under the direction of Dr. Renee Godard Ecuador has on of the most biodiverse ecosystems in the world including more than 1,650 bird species. In this study we examined the impact of human development on avian species richness in Ecuador and explored the role of tropical species in the ecosystem by comparing dietary patterns of identified tropical birds to a representative sample of birds found in Virginia. In 2024 and 2025 bird biodiversity was surveyed at four sites in Ecuador. For each survey, five individuals identified birds by sight and sound for 30-minutes. Each site was surveyed at least twice in each year and the accumulated number of species was determined within between years. Species richness was highest at sites with the least human disturbance. In order to compare the specific niches that these birds fill within their ecosystems and determine which primary food resources are the most vital for avian survival in the Neotropics we compared dietary patterns of all identified Ecuadorian species to temperate species counted in six eBird surveys across three counties in Virginia. This comparison revealed that fruit is a primary food source for roughly half of neotropical bird species; insects are a primary food source for more than ¾ of temperate bird species; and only a small number of species in both groups display granivory. In order to maintain high bird biodiversity it is critical that unfragmented forest be protected. Continued annual surveys at these sites will allow us to detect changes in species composition in relationship to future development and climate change.
Sampling Avian Biodiversity in Ecuador: Impacts of Fragmentation and Explorations of Diet
Dana Science Building, 2nd floor
Under the direction of Dr. Renee Godard Ecuador has on of the most biodiverse ecosystems in the world including more than 1,650 bird species. In this study we examined the impact of human development on avian species richness in Ecuador and explored the role of tropical species in the ecosystem by comparing dietary patterns of identified tropical birds to a representative sample of birds found in Virginia. In 2024 and 2025 bird biodiversity was surveyed at four sites in Ecuador. For each survey, five individuals identified birds by sight and sound for 30-minutes. Each site was surveyed at least twice in each year and the accumulated number of species was determined within between years. Species richness was highest at sites with the least human disturbance. In order to compare the specific niches that these birds fill within their ecosystems and determine which primary food resources are the most vital for avian survival in the Neotropics we compared dietary patterns of all identified Ecuadorian species to temperate species counted in six eBird surveys across three counties in Virginia. This comparison revealed that fruit is a primary food source for roughly half of neotropical bird species; insects are a primary food source for more than ¾ of temperate bird species; and only a small number of species in both groups display granivory. In order to maintain high bird biodiversity it is critical that unfragmented forest be protected. Continued annual surveys at these sites will allow us to detect changes in species composition in relationship to future development and climate change.