Seasonal variation in the abundance and density of columbids (Birds: Columbidae) in a region with high hunting pressure

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5902/2179460X75202

Keywords:

Census, Cinegetic birds, Monitoring, Northeast Brazil

Abstract

Assessing the abundance and densities of highly hunted bird species, such as those from the Columbidae family (pigeons and doves), is essential to developing effective conservation strategies. The presente study sought to investigate multiple Columbidae species populations in three rural areas of Agreste Sergipe (Brazil), assessing whether there is seasonal variation in their abundance and density measures. During one year, linear transects were used to record species richness and abundance, which were then used to calculate species densities. A total of 4,229 columbids belonging to eight species were recorded, with Columbina talpacoti, Columbina picui, and Columbina minuta being the species that were most abundant and had the highest densities. Greater abundance and density were also observed during the rainy season for most species. Of the registered species, more than half had low abundances and tend to decrease in numbers throughout the year. The observed low and decreasing numbers for most of the columbid species here studied may be a reflection of the natural fluctuations expected by population dynamics. These fluctuations could be due to species sharing responses to similar environmental and/or anthropic factors. In order to enhance conservation strategies for these bird species, long-term studies and monitoring should be conducted to better understand how different factors indeed impact their local population dynamics.

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Author Biographies

Cleverton da Silva, Universidade Federal de Sergipe

Postgraduate Program in Development and Environment, Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristóvão, SE, Brazil.

Juan Ruiz-Esparza, Universidade Federal de Sergipe

Center for Education in Agricultural and Earth Sciences, Federal University of Sergipe, Nossa Senhora da Glória, SE, Brazil.

Cristiano Schetini de Azevedo, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto

Department of Biodiversity, Evolution and Environment, Federal University of Ouro Preto, Morro do Cruzeiro, MG, Brazil.

Adauto de Souza Ribeiro, Universidade Federal de Sergipe

Department of Ecology, Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristóvão, SE, Brazil.

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Published

2024-05-15

How to Cite

Silva, C. da, Ruiz-Esparza, J., Azevedo, C. S. de, & Ribeiro, A. de S. (2024). Seasonal variation in the abundance and density of columbids (Birds: Columbidae) in a region with high hunting pressure. Ciência E Natura, 46, e75202. https://doi.org/10.5902/2179460X75202

Issue

Vol. 46 (2024): Publicação contínua

Section

Biology-Ecology

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