Habitat use by a bird community in a Caatinga area: habitat seasonality and overlap

Abstract

Habitat degradation is one of the main drivers of biodiversity loss, a phenomenon that significantly manifests in the Caatinga domain, where extensive habitat areas undergo modifications. Therefore, understanding how organisms select their habitats becomes crucial for effective conservation management. In this context, the present study aims to analyze habitat use, seasonality, and overlap within a bird community in an area located within the Caatinga domain, specifically at Fazenda Aba. Twelve monthly expeditions were conducted using the point-count method to estimate usage areas, habitat intensity, and overlap during both dry and rainy periods. Usage areas were measured using the Minimum Convex Polygon (MCP 100%) method, while the Kernel 95% estimator was employed to assess habitat intensity. Overlap was calculated using the Utilization Distribution Overlap Index (UDOI). The results revealed comprehensive use of the study area by the bird community, with more pronounced usage intensity in riparian forest environments. Additionally, an increase in usage areas was observed during the rainy period compared to the dry season, reflecting greater overlap during the scarcity season. It is suggested that riparian forest habitats play a fundamental role in maintaining avifauna, especially during droughts, promoting seasonal movements of species that tend to shift to areas with higher resource availability, resulting in convergence of utilized areas.