Event Type
Research Presentation
Location
Dana Science Building, 2nd floor
Start Date
24-4-2026 1:00 PM
End Date
24-4-2026 2:30 PM
Description
The current biodiversity crisis is of great concern, particularly to bird species in temperate and tropical areas. We examined avian biodiversity patterns in Ecuador, one of the most bird-biodiverse countries in the world (1650+ species). In January 2026, birds were surveyed (visual and auditory) for 30 minutes on consecutive days in 4 different locations that differed in the degree of human development. As expected, species richness was much higher in undisturbed locations than disturbed locations. In addition, our comparison of dietary patterns between sites showed a much higher proportion of frugivorous and insectivorous species in areas with less human disturbance which is suggestive that these important resources decline with human alteration of habitat. Further, in areas with high levels of frugivory, more "gulper" than "masher" species were detected, which potentially bodes well for seed dispersal, a critical forest ecosystem service. Given the limitations of time and resources, we only noted the presence of species, not population number. We hope that future surveys at these sites will allow us to detect changes in species composition in relationship to future development and climate change.
Included in
Biodiversity and Diet Patterns: Environmental Impacts on Ecuadorian Birds
Dana Science Building, 2nd floor
The current biodiversity crisis is of great concern, particularly to bird species in temperate and tropical areas. We examined avian biodiversity patterns in Ecuador, one of the most bird-biodiverse countries in the world (1650+ species). In January 2026, birds were surveyed (visual and auditory) for 30 minutes on consecutive days in 4 different locations that differed in the degree of human development. As expected, species richness was much higher in undisturbed locations than disturbed locations. In addition, our comparison of dietary patterns between sites showed a much higher proportion of frugivorous and insectivorous species in areas with less human disturbance which is suggestive that these important resources decline with human alteration of habitat. Further, in areas with high levels of frugivory, more "gulper" than "masher" species were detected, which potentially bodes well for seed dispersal, a critical forest ecosystem service. Given the limitations of time and resources, we only noted the presence of species, not population number. We hope that future surveys at these sites will allow us to detect changes in species composition in relationship to future development and climate change.
Comments
Under the direction of Dr. Renee Godard.