Species richness and guild composition in rubber plantations compared to secondary forest on Hainan Island, China

摘要: Currently, the one of great threats to tropical biodiversity is conversion natural ecosystems agriculture, and this threat particularly critical on Hainan, largest island in China a global hotspot. Rubber (Hevea brasiliensis) has been planted Hainan since 1950s, resulting extensive replacement native forest, rate transformation increased with latex prices 1990s. plantations now cover ca. 506,680 ha reach ca 1,000 m elevation. To investigate effect land-use change, we compared avian communities between rubber plantation secondary semi-deciduous monsoon forest. We found that species richness was higher forest than rubber, community composition differed greatly two habitats. No strict frugivores were recorded no granivores In both abundance, more nectarivores fewer insectivores occurred Some common species, as well protected only including Partridge (Arborophila ardens), Red Junglefowl (Gallus gallus), Emerald Dove (Chalcophaps indica), Black-browed Barbet (Megalaima oorti), Blue-rumped Pitta (Pitta soror), Puff-throated Bulbul (Alophoixus pallidus), Chestnut (Hemixos castanonotus). Although ten babbler rubber. Among missing endemic Grey Laughingthrush (Garrulax maesi). Its endangerment through habitat particular conservation concern.