Changes in bird assemblages because of vegetation homogenisation in communal livestock systems

Abstract

It has been estimated that 52% of the Earth’s surface has been modified by human activities such as food production, timber plantations and urban areas (Roser & Ritchie 2018). This has resulted in alterations in the structure and functioning of these systems (Chown 2010; Foley et al. 2005). With human population growth unlikely to stabilise in the 21st century (Gerland et al. 2014), the protection of natural habitats remains paramount for the conservation of biodiversity and the ecosystem services they provide (Dudley, Hockings & Stolton 2010). Even where primary components of habitats have been retained, unprotected landscapes have often been degraded and community assemblages have been altered via either direct (e.g. harvesting) or indirect (e.g. light pollution) impacts by humans, or both (Chown 2010; Gaston et al. 2008; Longcore & Rich 2004). Therefore, the designation and maintenance of protected areas (PAs) remains a key strategy for protecting biodiversity from such pressures globally (Gaston et al. 2008; Joppa & Pfaff 2009; Pimm et al. 2014).