Global Ecology and Conservation (Oct 2023)
Composition of avian assemblage in a protected forested area in Haiti: Evidence for recent decline of both forest-dependent and insectivore species
Abstract
Although past and present deforestation is regarded as a major environmental issue in Haiti, its direct impact on biodiversity remains largely undocumented. We assessed the composition of the avian assemblage at Parc National La Visite, a protected area in the Massif de La Selle, southeastern Haiti, and compared our results to those obtained there about 15 years ago in a previous study. We combined mist-netting with visual observations and use of camera traps to document the presence and relative abundance of bird species over 13 field sessions from December 2019 to January 2022. We recorded the presence of 42 different bird species, belonging to 12 different orders, 26 families and 39 genera, during the course of our survey, including 16 (38.1 %) Hispaniola-endemics and seven North-American migrant species (16.7 %). Most species 81 % observed during our survey are currently classified as Least Concern in the IUCN red list, but eight species are of conservation concern, including one Near-Threatened species, five Vulnerable species and two Endangered. Accumulation curves and estimates of sampling completeness show that combination of mist-netting and visual observations was important in determining avian assemblage composition at Parc La Visite, whereas the contribution of camera traps was marginal. Although the relative proportions of mist-netted species according to their level of forest dependency or degree of insectivory did not differ with those recorded 15 years ago, there was a highly significant decline in the relative abundance (number of mist-netted individuals) of species with increasing level of both forest dependency and insectivory. Overall, our results indicate that Parc National La Visite remains an area of importance for avian conservation on Hispaniola. However, comparison with previous studies suggest that ongoing deforestation might be responsible for the local decline of the most sensitive bird species. We discuss the conservation implications of our results in relation to the present situation in Haiti, and make suggestions for adapted and realistic conservation strategies in order to protect avian diversity within forested ecosystems in the country.
