Effect of pinetree thinning and of undergrowth control on the bird community in a Mediterranean coastal pinewood (Castel Fusano, Rome, C Italy).

Abstract

The authors studied for six years the effects of tree thinning and of undergrowth control in a coastal pinewood of Central Italy. The changes induced by cultivation activities have caused a significant contraction of richness abundance and diversity, not counterbalanced after 4 years from interventions. The species mostly affected are: Hoopoe, Upupa epops, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Dendrocopos major, Little Spotted Woodpecker, Dendrocopos minor, Short-toed Tree Creeper, Certhia brachydactyla, Firecrest, Regulus ignicapillus, and some species of Passeriformes which nest in the undergrowth vegetation.

Keywords

• Tree thinning
• undergrowth control
• breeding communities.