Detecting changes induced by industrialization on bird communities: a before–after comparison using diversity/dominance curves

Rassati, Gianluca and Battisti, Corrado (2023) Detecting changes induced by industrialization on bird communities: a before–after comparison using diversity/dominance curves. COMMUNITY ECOLOGY, 24 (1). pp. 127-131. ISSN 1585-8553 (print); 1588-2756 (online)

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Abstract

To detect stress affecting bird communities after the construction of an industrial area (Carnia, North-eastern Italy), a before (2004)-after (2014) comparison has been performed, using the diversity/dominance (or ‘stress’) curves. We observed a marked decrease in number of species (31 vs. 20), in pair densities (292 vs. 120) and in Shannon diversity index (2.97 vs. 2.56), with an increase in dominance concentration index (Simpson: 0.04 vs. 0.06). Although, at singles species level, only Lanius collurio showed a significant reduction (p < 0.05), the change in slope of the ‘stress curves’ makes explicit the dis- ruption in general pattern of frequencies, with an increase of generalist/edge species and the disappearance of forest-interior and agro-mosaic sensitive species. ‘Stress curves’ appeared a useful tool to detect the effects of change in land use due to industrialization at community level. We stimulate community ecologists to apply more frequently this analysis to detect the effects of anthropogenic threats on animal communities.

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