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University of Arizona: Habitat Protection of a Long-term Study Site in the Tropical Deciduous Forest of Southern Sonora, Mexico Objectives: (1) Enclose the site and study plots in order to measure productivity and to monitor ecosystem recovery from disturbance; (2) Hire a local resident perform regular monitoring of the site and help collect baseline data on bird populations in November and Spring of 2004; (3) Convene a meeting of neighbors to inform them and enlist support of our activities at the site; (4) Involve residents and/or Reserve staff in bird surveys; (5) Incorporate the data obtained into a database in order to monitor changes in habitat and distribution of migratory, native and rare species of birds in this riparian community; and (6) Conduct regular bird surveys in conjunction with ecosystem studies so that bird species responses can be correlated with ecosystem and vegetation responses in the protected area. Project Description: Presently not much is known about the structure, dynamics, and fauna of the tropical deciduous forest. Many times this ecosystem is difficult to reach and uncomfortable to work in; consequently many researchers spend their limited time and research budgets studying tropical rainforests. Relatively easy access and recent botanical surveys of the tropical deciduous forest around Alamos, Sonora provide an opportunity to consolidate ecological knowledge and cultivate interest among scientists and naturalists. In addition, the recovery from disturbance and response to protection of disturbed areas in the tropical deciduous forest is unknown. The Alamos study site is part of an important riparian migratory corridor for birds, in a federally protected area, and is a well-known ecotourism spot for birders. This project will enable us to protect the study site from livestock and woodcutting, which will allow studies on ecosystem function and recovery from disturbance. Funding will also support censuses of local avifauna to monitor changes concurrent with the recovery of the vegetation. The archive and integration of this heretofore-uncollected information will be invaluable for the scientific community investigating the tropical deciduous forest, community conservation education and planning, and economic development of the area through ecotourism related to birding. Contact: |
