Vol. 41 No. 1 (2026)

The avifauna in the different landscape components of Arroyo Saladillo, southern Santa Fe Province, Argentina

Abstract

In this study, we estimated and compared patterns of biodiversity of avifauna in the different landscape units that make up the middle basin of the Arroyo Saladillo, located in Santa Fe Province, Argentina. We found that species richness, abundance, and diversity were higher in the corridor than in the rest of the landscape units, with the simplified matrix showing the lowest values. The low-simplification matrix and patches showed similar values for the parameters analyzed. In addition, we analyzed avifauna abundance, richness, and diversity across different seasons and their relationship with the landscape units under study. We observed that richness, abundance, and diversity of wild birds were significantly higher during spring and summer compared to other seasons, with simplified matrix areas recording the lowest values for these indicators. Biological corridors and patches showed similar seasonal variability. The low-simplification matrix showed patterns of seasonal variability similar to those observed in patches. These results highlight the importance of biological corridors and relict areas with high diversity of woody plant species, which act as biodiversity islands. In addition, it is important to consider the role played by productive fields with a low degree of simplification as key habitats for the conservation of wild birds. We consider it essential to preserve this type of production in the region and to encourage the implementation of diversified production systems, since they play a fundamental role in the conservation of wildlife in the region.

References

How to cite

Cristian J. Alesio, Daniel A. Paiz, Julia Gastaudo, Eduardo P. Spiaggi, Pablo G. Rimoldi (2026). The avifauna in the different landscape components of Arroyo Saladillo, southern Santa Fe Province, Argentina. El Hornero, Vol. 41 No. 1 (2026), 143-160. https://doi.org/10.56178/eh.v41i1.1541

Downloads

267Full-text views
2Formats
CC

License: CC BY-NC 4.0