Vol. 39 No. 1 (2024)

Avian biodiversity and vegetation characterization of Sierra los Difuntos, Buenos Aires, Argentina: implications of seasonality and topography

Abstract

The Tandilia Mountain Range System is an area of great importance for biodiversity in the southeast of Buenos Aires province. Patches of native grasslands, which are highly threatened in the region, can still be found in this area. Despite being recognized as a biodiversity reservoir, few studies have been carried out on the avifauna in these environments. Therefore, this study aims to determine the bird assemblage in a mountain range of the Tandilia System and to compare species richness and abundance between three areas delimited by their geomorphology and vegetation: base, slope and summit. Over a year, monthly point counts were conducted in each of the three established areas. The assemblage and diversity of birds were compared among areas and seasons. A total of 397 birds from 39 species, were recorded. The bird assemblage varied between areas, with Freckle-breasted Thornbird (Phacellodomus striaticollis) and Great Pampa-Finch (Embernagra platensis) being indicators for the summit. There were also differences between seasons where Shiny Cowbird (Molothrus bonariensis) and Grassland Yellow-Finch (Sicalis luteola) were indicator species for the spring. Bird richness and diversity did not vary between areas, but did vary between seasons, being higher during spring. This study presents basic information to understand the distribution of birds within the mountain range, providing the first results for the south-eastern end of the Tandilia Mountain Range System, which may contribute to the appreciation of the avifauna in the region.

References

How to cite

Tomás O'Connor, Jesica A. Paz, Melina V. Castano, Stella B. Román, Maximiliano M. Hernandez, Francisco Zumpano (2024). Avian biodiversity and vegetation characterization of Sierra los Difuntos, Buenos Aires, Argentina: implications of seasonality and topography. El Hornero, Vol. 39 No. 1 (2024), 91-103. https://doi.org/10.56178/eh.v39i1.1483

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