AVIFAUNA DISTRIBUTION IN AN URBAN GRADIENT ALONG SINOS RIVER, SÃO LEOPOLDO, RIO GRANDE DO SUL, BRAZIL

Authors

  • Maria Virginia Petry Universidade do Vale do Rio dos Sinos
  • Janete de Fátima Martins Scherer Universidade do Vale do Rio dos Sinos

Keywords:

antropização, área úmida, conservação, industrialização.

Abstract

Birds are important environment bioindicator. Species Richness and Abundance of wetland birds are correlated with environmental heterogeneity. The present study, conducted between January 2004 and December 2004, aim evaluate bird diversity and its spatial and temporal distribution in a stretch of Sinos River under different urbanization levels. The stretch was divided at four areas (A, B, C, D), from the area under greater urbanization degree (A) until the area with lower urbanization degree (D). Through direct watching in count points method, 65 species were registered. D presented the greatest richness (n=46), while C presented the lowest richness (n=37). Species richness differed along seasons (F=12,878; gl=3; P=0,001), and the greatest richness was verified in Autumn. Abundance also presented significant differences (F=18,5; gl=3; P=0,01), and area D differed significantly from moreover areas (P<0,04). Just 12 species were responsible by composition differences among four areas. This way, the protection of riparian woods along rivers crossing urban centers is necessary, once these habitats offer shelter and food for a great diversity of birds.

Published

2009-04-13

Issue

Section

Articles