Bird sensitivity to disturbance as an indicator of forest patch conditions: An issue in environmental assessments

摘要: An Environmental Assessment (EA) is one of the steps within Impact process. Birds are often used in EA to help decision makers evaluate potential human impacts from proposed development activities. A “sensitivity disturbance” index, created by Parker III et al. (1996) for all Neotropical species, commonly considered an ecological indicator. However, this parameter was subjectively and, most there have been no rigorous field test validate its effectiveness as such. Therefore, study, we aim to: (1) if, at local scale, birds forest patches a human-modified landscape (HML) may differ sensitivity Parker's classification; (2) species richness value each level indicator; (3) gather information on how and which manner classification has EA. To do so, bird sampling performed eight HML over year. Then, disturbance using about threat, endemism, spatial distribution relative abundance study area. We found that 37% showed different levels when compared with classification. Our results show only high-sensitivity our fitted indicator assumptions helping environmental conditions evaluation studied patches. conclude not necessarily perform particularly HML. Nevertheless, 50% reviewed. In these, 76% assumed it accurate birds. The lack clear criteria allows diverse interpretations ornithologists, agreement meaning what indicate of. use jeopardize anthropogenic impacts. Furthermore, because species’ varies between locations, argue generalized should be throughout HMLs Neotropics. Rather, indices explored, otherwise, erroneous predictions will continue common.