Observers and urban structure effects on population estimates in the Eurasian Collared-Dove (Streptopelia decaocto)

Methods to estimate populations of urban birds usually do not consider the effects of environmental and anthropic variables on their detectability. Distance sampling is not commonly used in urban environments even though is a highly effective and low-cost method to estimate the population densities of birds. In this research, we analyzed those covariables that may influence the detectability of the Eurasian collared dove Streptopelia decaocto detectability in anthropic environments to estimate population densities in Eastern Spain. Point counts were carried out in three environments: urban, peri-urban, and parks. Detection probability and density were estimated through distance sampling considering multiple covariables and we used several statistical tests to compare the estimated densities. Our results show that building height negatively affects the detectability of the Eurasian collared dove while the observers’ ability affects it positively. Moreover, the urban environment has a lower density of individuals and flocks of birds when compared with the other two areas studied. Distance sampling is easy to apply in urban environments and it will help in the development of citizen science.

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Bermúdez-Cavero, Alan Omar, Bernat-Ponce, Edgar, Gil-Delgado, José Antonio, López-Iborra, Germán Manuel, Rodríguez-Navarrete, Iván
Format: Digital revista
Language:spa
Published: Universidad Nacional de Colombia - Sede Bogotá - Facultad de Ciencias - Instituto de Ciencias Naturales 2023
Online Access:https://revistas.unal.edu.co/index.php/cal/article/view/105831
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!