loading page

Patterns of avian tree usage in the primeval temperate forests of Białowieża National Park
  • +2
  • Oliwia Karpińska,
  • Katarzyna Kamionka-Kanclerska,
  • Marcin Dyderski,
  • Patryk Czortek,
  • Dorota Czeszczewik
Oliwia Karpińska
Siedlce University
Author Profile
Katarzyna Kamionka-Kanclerska
Siedlce University
Author Profile
Marcin Dyderski
Polska Akademia Nauk Instytut Dendrologii w Korniku
Author Profile
Patryk Czortek
Warsaw University Faculty of Biology

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

Author Profile
Dorota Czeszczewik
Siedlce University
Author Profile

Abstract

Quantitative evidence on tree space segregation among avian assemblages in temperate primeval forests is currently lacking. Therefore, our study aimed to determine the species composition of birds across different parts of trees. We investigated whether species richness differs between positions on a tree and how these positions influence the probability of occurrence of specific bird species. To achieve this, we observed birds within permanent plots in Białowieża National Park (BNP) and analyzed the distribution patterns of birds within six vertical and three horizontal sectors of trees. The compositional dissimilarity between tree sectors was assessed using detrended correspondence analysis. We employed generalized linear mixed-effects models to examine differences in species richness and the probability of occurrence for ten of the most frequently observed species across tree sectors. The majority of the BNP bird community was associated with the branches, while other birds occupied the tree crown trunks and the understory trunks. Species richness was the highest on branches in the crown part of trees, followed by lower species richness on trunks associated with crowns, and the lowest richness was observed on branches and trunks in the understory. These results indicate that branches in the middle and lower parts of the crown serve as avian diversity hotspots on trees, likely due to the abundance of various food sources. The differing patterns of tree usage by specific bird species may suggest the avoidance of interspecific competition for resources. Importantly, our study provides a pristine state for future investigations.
24 Oct 2023Submitted to Ecology and Evolution
26 Oct 2023Submission Checks Completed
26 Oct 2023Assigned to Editor
27 Oct 2023Reviewer(s) Assigned
14 Nov 2023Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
22 Nov 2023Editorial Decision: Revise Minor
25 Jan 2024Submission Checks Completed
25 Jan 2024Assigned to Editor
25 Jan 2024Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
31 Jan 2024Editorial Decision: Revise Minor
25 Feb 2024Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
28 Feb 2024Editorial Decision: Accept