Influence of extractive disturbances on forest bird communities in Shiwalik landscape, India.

Abstract

Frequent extraction of plant biomass in the form of timber, firewood, fodder, and non-timber forest products (NTFP) by rural populations, is the most widespread disturbances in the tropical forests. These disturbances not only alter habitat characteristics but also affect habitat use, survival and fitness of biotic communities. Birds are highly sensitive to modification in their habitat and therefore amongst the best model taxa to examine and monitor impacts of these cryptic disturbances. In order to understand the dynamics of small-scale extractive disturbances and their effects on floral and faunal community, I undertook a study in Shiwalik landscape of northern India. The objectives of research were to: 1. Identify the major causes of disturbance in three main forest type of this landscape and assess if disturbance depends on degree of protection. 2. Quantify impacts of disturbances on different layers of vegetation (tree and shrub) and examine changes in structure and composition of the habitat, if iii any. Executive Summary 3. Investigate the response of birds community and foraging guild levels to habitat degradation in different forest types during breeding and non-breeding seasons. 4. Identify indicator bird species suitable for future monitoring of small-scale extractive disturbances in this landscape. A contiguous stretch of the Shiwalik landscape between river Yamuna in the west and river Ganga in the east was selected to carry out this study.