Examining Avian Species Diversity in Various Forest Types at La Selva Biological Research Station
Keywords:
Avian diversity, Tropical rainforest, Habitat disturbance, Forest succession, Old growth forestAbstract
Rainforest degradation due to urbanization and land use changes can significantly impact tropical ecosystems, creating various forest types. This research explored avian species diversity in response to forest type within the protected land of La Selva Biological Research Station in northeastern Costa Rica. We hypothesized that the avian species diversity would be greater in old growth forests compared to successional plots between 1-4 years old and developed areas. Visual surveys were conducted daily in both habitat types throughout the ten-day research period, with audio sampling in old growth forests. Audio sampling was not conducted in the successional or developed areas due to their proximity to old growth forests. The sampling occurred in two-hour periods during the morning and afternoon for each forest type, alternating the starting forest type each day. Statistical analysis with a chi-squared test showed significantly higher bird species diversity in old growth forests compared to successional plots and developed forests (p < 0.05). In total we recorded 87 bird species, with 72 species found in old growth forests and 35 found in the successional and developed areas. These results illustrate the inverse relationship between avian diversity and forest disturbance, emphasizing the critical importance of protecting old growth rainforest habitats from human-induced degradation and development.
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