Frugivorous birds of a sub-Andean Forest in restoration process in the Munchique National Natural Park

Abstract

The fragmentation of the sub-Andean Forest is worrying, both for its intrinsic value and for the ecosystem services it provides. Passive restoration is presented as an option to counteract this situation. This research presents information on the variation in the richness of the frugivorous bird community in relation to the natural regeneration time of the forest for the biennial periods I (2012-2013), II (2014-2015) and III (2016-2017). Bird records were made at six observation points for each of the defined scenarios (early restoration, advanced restoration, and paddock), of the PNN Munchique, department of Cauca. In total, 50 species of frugivorous birds from 15 families were recorded, where the Thraupidae family represented 44% of the richness of the bird community. Of the total species, 43 were small frugivores and seven were medium and large frugivores. The richest period was III with 36 species and the lowest was I with 15. After several years of natural succession, there is evidence of a temporary increase in the richness of small frugivorous bird species, with the minority incorporation of some medium and large frugivorous species towards the end of the observation period.