Avifauna associated with native forests immersed in Hass avocado agroecosystems in Caldas and Risaralda (Colombia)

Abstract

In Colombian landscapes, the successive transformation of forest cover into agroecosystems constitutes a constant pressure on birdlife. Ecosystems are simplified and bird communities are impoverished as their natural habitats are replaced by monocultures. This study is the first attempt to describe bird assemblages related to Hass avocado (Persea americana) production agroecosystems in the Colombian departments of Caldas and Risaralda. Species richness was analyzed and compared in four avocado production units. Information was collected through two sampling seasons (2019-2020), in which 168 species belonging to 19 orders and 42 families were registered. Five endemic species and four classifieds in some category of threat according to the IUCN are highlighted. Results suggest that, although species richness is lower than in less intervened ecosystems, native forests immersed in agroecosystems can become important areas to complement conservation efforts for various species.