Spatial pattern of bird diversity and community metrics in two protected areas of Northern Spain

B.Sc. Kristina Floigl, dipl. ek.

Master's thesis

Abstract:

Since there is a worldwide decline in biodiversity, there is a need to calculate biodiversity metrics in order to better understand which areas should be in focus of protection. By calculating avian diversity metrics, our study aimed to test spatial mismatch between avian diversity within protected areas and which metrics should be in the focus of protection in future conservation plans. This research presents spatial pattern of bird diversity and community metrics in two protected areas, Tierra de Campos and Tierra de Campiñas, in Spain. Data was collected by ornithologists from SEO, BirdLife International partner in Spain, from middle of April till the end of July during 2012.Methods For the purpose of the bird survey and data analysis both protected areas were divided into 10x10 kilometres squares, and each spatial unit was surveyed by mean of sample sites, where birds were recorded by point counts. Spatial analyses of the studied areas was performed in ArcGIS and tested by using spatially explicit tests (Mantel test) to explore significant correlations among avian diversity metrics. In 84 sample squares 172 bird species were recorded. Spatial analyses showed that both studied areas are characterized by large coverage of arable land. Results from the research showed bird communities with higher mean evolutionary distinctiveness in the protected area Tierra de Campiñas, and values of higher community evolutionary distinctiveness were found in the forested areas than in areas with arable lands. The results of Mantel test showed only three significant correlations between diversity metrics: bird species richness and community evolutionary distinctiveness; bird species richness and functional richness; functional richness and community evolutionary distinctiveness.Our study supports the hypothesis that there is mismatch between different avian diversity metrics and then conservationists should take into consideration all of them when assessing the level of protection offered by a protected area. Findings of our study provide valuable information for future conservation plans.

Keywords

avian diversity, phylogenetic diversity, functional diversity, Natura2000, protected area

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 18. 4. 2018

Thesis defence

• Supervisor: Federico Morelli
• Reader: Peter Kumble, Ph.D.

Czech University of Life Sciences Prague

Faculty of Environmental Sciences

Master programme / field:
Engineering Ecology / Nature Conservation