Edge and area effects on avian assemblages and insectivory in fragmented native forests

摘要: Disentangling the confounded effects of edge and area in fragmented landscapes is a recurrent challenge for landscape ecologists, requiring use appropriate study designs. Here, we examined forest fragment plot location at edges versus interiors on native exotic bird assemblages Banks Peninsula (South Island, New Zealand). We also experimentally measured with plasticine models how interior influenced intensity avian insectivory. Bird were sampled by conducting 15 min point-counts paired plots 13 fragments increasing size (0.5–141 ha). Avian insectivory was as rate insectivorous attacks mimicking larvae polyphagous moth. found significant edge, but not patch area, species richness, abundance composition assemblages. Exotic birds more abundant edges, while neither nor noticeable richness abundance. Model predation rates increased fragmentation, both because higher smaller patches edges. significantly foraging suggest that coexistence Zealand mosaic enhances functional diversity trait complementation within predatory This results small through additive effects.