Abstract

GIRAUDO, Liliana et al. Bird fauna of the oriental chaco forest of Córdoba Province, Argen. Ecol. apl. [online]. 2006, vol.5, n.1-2, pp.127-136. ISSN 1726-2216.

The Chaco -reproductive habitat of migratory birds - has a great conservation priority in South America. Its typical seasonality influences the availability of resources, and the composition and organization of avifauna. Fragmentation and substitution of the forest for agricultural expansions, impact on these characteristics. This contribution provides the composition and richness of avifauna in relicts of the Oriental Chaco of Córdoba, and carries out ecological observations on trophic guilds, residence and conservation status, in order to interpret its current situation and to promote conservation. These forest remnants located between the Reserve of Mar Chiquita and Sierras del Norte, alternate with secondary forest, park and grassland, and cultivated parcels. From the 2000 winter to the 2002 autumn birds were observed seasonally in fixed points distributed at random. Characteristics detailed were: systematic classification, common name, population state, residence status and trophic guild. A high number of species (127) and interesting entities were found, according with the variety of ecosystem physiognomies and conditions in the area: threatened species (Harpyhaliaetus coronatus), in recovery (Ortalis canicollis), aquatic birds and "agricultural plagues". Permanent or resident species were the majority and their adaptation to the forest was expressed in diverse alimentary categories. Habitat alterations influenced a change of 24% in old permanent to occasional species. The spring-summer migrants -according to seasonal resources- tripled the winter ones. Permanent, migrants and occasional species participated in the insectivorous guild, according to a good provision of insects in semi-arid subtropical forest. Remainder biodiversity and functions of avifauna recommend the conservation of the Chaco forest in Córdoba.

Keywords : Relict forest; Birds Composition; Situation and Functional Characteristics.

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