Beyond species richness : an empirical test of top predators as surrogates for functional diversity and endemism

摘要: Using surrogate species to monitor the status of target biodiversity in areas undergoing exceptional habitat loss requires extending traditional assessment surrogates for taxonomic diversity validating functional diversity. This validation will be critical inform about broader ecosystem processes and stability. We compared surrogacy reliability habitat-specialist Rufous-legged Owl (Strix rufipes) habitat-generalist Austral Pygmy-Owl (Glaucidium nana), we examined potential underlying mechanisms relationships Andean temperate forests, a global hotspot southern Chile. During 2011–2013, conducted 1,145 owl surveys, 505 vegetation avian point-transect surveys across 101 sites comprising range conditions from degraded forest structurally complex old-growth stands. The S. rufipes was reliable all measures, including endemism measures (degree community specialization density large-tree users, understory cavity-nesters). On contrary, G. nana did not function as surrogate. With increasing occurrence rufipes, specialized (species, guilds, communities) increased nonlinearly peaked at least sites. specialist aggregation might driven by stand structural complexity available older, more stable, forests. These results suggest that management actions tailored promote owls, such may result enhanced endemic species, communities, likely