Agricultural intensification, characterized by the loss of native flora and the establishment of monocultures, has been negatively associated with the richness of bird species in tropical regions. However, very little is known about the impact on avian functional roles and evolutionary history across gradients of intensification. In this paper, we analyzed the response of the taxonomic, functional and phylogenetic dimensions of bird diversity inside coffee farms with different management practices. By conducting fieldwork across a ~2000m elevational gradient, we also evaluated the effect of elevation on the response of the bird communities to intensification. We found that the response of the diversity dimensions was linked to specific vegetation elements within the farms, but also to the elevation zone being considered. To learn more, click on this link to access our paper.

A typical coffee-dominated landscape in the mountains of central Costa Rica at middle-elevations

Monge O, Dullinger S, Fusani L, Schulze CH. 2021. Taxonomic, functional and phylogenetic bird diversity response to coffee farming intensity along an elevational gradient in Costa Rica. Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment, 326:107801. doi: 10.1016/j.agee.2021.107801.