We report for first time the presence of the Monk Parakeet (Myiopsitta monachus) in the city of C... more We report for first time the presence of the Monk Parakeet (Myiopsitta monachus) in the city of Chilpancingo, in Guerrero state, Mexico. Between 6 and 7 May 2014 we observed seven individuals of the Monk Parakeet roosting and foraging in an African tulip tree (Spathodea campanulata). Since there were no nesting records, the present population status of the Monk Parakeet is unknown. Future research should be aimed at clarifying the reproductive status of this population and the possible effects it may cause.
We evaluated the seed dispersal of Bursera longipes by birds along a successional gradient of tro... more We evaluated the seed dispersal of Bursera longipes by birds along a successional gradient of tropical dry forest (TDF) in southwestern Mexico. B. longipes is an endemic tree to the TDF in the Balsas basin. The relative abundance of frugivorous birds, their frequency of visits to B. longipes and the number of removed fruits were recorded at three study sites with different stages of forest succession (early, intermediate and mature) characterized by distinct floristic and structural elements. Flycatchers of the Myiarchus and Tyrannus genera removed the majority of fruits at each site. Overall, visits to B. longipes were less frequent at the early successional site. Birds that function as legitimate dispersers by consuming whole seeds and regurgitating or defecating intact seeds in the process also remove the pseudoaril from seeds, thereby facilitating the germination process. The highest germination percentages were recorded for seeds that passed through the digestive system of two migratory flycatchers: M. cinerascens and M. nutingii. Perch plants, mainly composed of legumes (e.g., Eysenhardtia polystachya, Acacia cochliacantha, Calliandra eryophylla, Mimosa polyantha), serve also as nurse plants since the number of young individuals recruited from B. longipes was higher under these than expected by chance. This study shows that Myiarchus flycatchers are the most efficient seed dispersers of B. longipes across all successional stages. This suggests a close mutualistic relationship derived from adaptive processes and local specializations throughout the distribution of both taxa, as supported by the geographic mosaic theory of coevolution.
The biotic province of the Sierra Madre del Sur presents a mosaic of woodlands at different succe... more The biotic province of the Sierra Madre del Sur presents a mosaic of woodlands at different successional stages due to frequent modifications in land use. In this study, we analyzed changes in woody flora across three successional stages of pine-oak forest: early, intermediate, and mature. Vegetation composition and diversity were characterized in 10 plots (each 0.28 ha). The mature stage had the highest values for species richness, abundance, and diversity. Pioneer plants were dominant in the early-successional site and may promote the establishment of late-successional species. The vegetation structure was more complex in the mature stage, where members of the Quercus genus were co-dominant with Pinus species. Pine tree richness was highest in the early-successional stage, and its abundance increased at the intermediate-successional site. These results suggest that Pinus species can grow in perturbed and sunny environments but also require favorable edaphic and microclimatic conditions, such as those found in intermediate woodlands. Results of this fieldwork support the initial floristic composition succession model, which suggests that species present at early stages will also occur in subsequent stages. Ecological succession may be considered to be a natural restoration process, and thus, conservation strategies should focus on maintaining distinct successional communities in addition to mature forests in order to preserve a high number of species.
Geographical distribution and habitat of Trochilidae (Aves) in the state of Guerrero, Mexico. The... more Geographical distribution and habitat of Trochilidae (Aves) in the state of Guerrero, Mexico. The distribution and abundance of species of Trochillidae family is usually influenced by the flowering and phenology of plants used as a feeding source, mainly in primary forest, so that changes in vegetation cover could impact their populations. We analyzed and characterized the geographical distribution and habitat for 22 species of resident hummingbirds in the state of Guerrero using the vegetation and the land use map of INEGI Series IV (2007-2010). Distribution models were generated with the Genetic Algorithm for Rule Set Production (GARP), using historical records of scientific collections and fieldwork (2001-2009), in combination with climatic and topographic variables. Of the 22 modeled species, six are endemic to Mexico, the same number of species found in a risk category. The highest concentration with regards to richness (14-20 species), endemism (5-6 species) and number of threatened species of hummingbirds (5-6 species) occurred in the biotic province of Sierra Madre del Sur. However, the potential distribution of most of the hummingbirds occurred in disturbed sites or agroecosystems, as a result of changes in land-use. For Campylopterus hemileucurus, Lamprolaima rhami and Heliomaster longisrostris, their potential distribution was highest in areas of primary vegetation. Areas of high hummingbirds presence do not coincide with the Important Bird Areas proposed for bird conservation in Guerrero, considering that, despite its diversity and its extreme popularity, from the conservation perspective hummingbirds have received relatively little attention. Rev. Biol. Trop. 64 (1): 363-376. Epub 2016 March 01.
I report the presence of the Eurasian Collared-Dove (Streptopelia decaocto) in the state of Guer... more I report the presence of the Eurasian Collared-Dove (Streptopelia decaocto) in the state of Guerrero, Mexico. Also, I describe the sites where S. decaocto were recorded and their potential impacts on native birds are discussed. These records and others about this invasive species suggest its establishment and allow include it as part of the avifauna of Guerrero state.
We report for first time the presence of the Monk Parakeet (Myiopsitta monachus) in the city of C... more We report for first time the presence of the Monk Parakeet (Myiopsitta monachus) in the city of Chilpancingo, in Guerrero state, Mexico. Between 6 and 7 May 2014 we observed seven individuals of the Monk Parakeet roosting and foraging in an African tulip tree (Spathodea campanulata). Since there were no nesting records, the present population status of the Monk Parakeet is unknown. Future research should be aimed at clarifying the reproductive status of this population and the possible effects it may cause.
We evaluated the seed dispersal of Bursera longipes by birds along a successional gradient of tro... more We evaluated the seed dispersal of Bursera longipes by birds along a successional gradient of tropical dry forest (TDF) in southwestern Mexico. B. longipes is an endemic tree to the TDF in the Balsas basin. The relative abundance of frugivorous birds, their frequency of visits to B. longipes and the number of removed fruits were recorded at three study sites with different stages of forest succession (early, intermediate and mature) characterized by distinct floristic and structural elements. Flycatchers of the Myiarchus and Tyrannus genera removed the majority of fruits at each site. Overall, visits to B. longipes were less frequent at the early successional site. Birds that function as legitimate dispersers by consuming whole seeds and regurgitating or defecating intact seeds in the process also remove the pseudoaril from seeds, thereby facilitating the germination process. The highest germination percentages were recorded for seeds that passed through the digestive system of two migratory flycatchers: M. cinerascens and M. nutingii. Perch plants, mainly composed of legumes (e.g., Eysenhardtia polystachya, Acacia cochliacantha, Calliandra eryophylla, Mimosa polyantha), serve also as nurse plants since the number of young individuals recruited from B. longipes was higher under these than expected by chance. This study shows that Myiarchus flycatchers are the most efficient seed dispersers of B. longipes across all successional stages. This suggests a close mutualistic relationship derived from adaptive processes and local specializations throughout the distribution of both taxa, as supported by the geographic mosaic theory of coevolution.
The biotic province of the Sierra Madre del Sur presents a mosaic of woodlands at different succe... more The biotic province of the Sierra Madre del Sur presents a mosaic of woodlands at different successional stages due to frequent modifications in land use. In this study, we analyzed changes in woody flora across three successional stages of pine-oak forest: early, intermediate, and mature. Vegetation composition and diversity were characterized in 10 plots (each 0.28 ha). The mature stage had the highest values for species richness, abundance, and diversity. Pioneer plants were dominant in the early-successional site and may promote the establishment of late-successional species. The vegetation structure was more complex in the mature stage, where members of the Quercus genus were co-dominant with Pinus species. Pine tree richness was highest in the early-successional stage, and its abundance increased at the intermediate-successional site. These results suggest that Pinus species can grow in perturbed and sunny environments but also require favorable edaphic and microclimatic conditions, such as those found in intermediate woodlands. Results of this fieldwork support the initial floristic composition succession model, which suggests that species present at early stages will also occur in subsequent stages. Ecological succession may be considered to be a natural restoration process, and thus, conservation strategies should focus on maintaining distinct successional communities in addition to mature forests in order to preserve a high number of species.
Geographical distribution and habitat of Trochilidae (Aves) in the state of Guerrero, Mexico. The... more Geographical distribution and habitat of Trochilidae (Aves) in the state of Guerrero, Mexico. The distribution and abundance of species of Trochillidae family is usually influenced by the flowering and phenology of plants used as a feeding source, mainly in primary forest, so that changes in vegetation cover could impact their populations. We analyzed and characterized the geographical distribution and habitat for 22 species of resident hummingbirds in the state of Guerrero using the vegetation and the land use map of INEGI Series IV (2007-2010). Distribution models were generated with the Genetic Algorithm for Rule Set Production (GARP), using historical records of scientific collections and fieldwork (2001-2009), in combination with climatic and topographic variables. Of the 22 modeled species, six are endemic to Mexico, the same number of species found in a risk category. The highest concentration with regards to richness (14-20 species), endemism (5-6 species) and number of threatened species of hummingbirds (5-6 species) occurred in the biotic province of Sierra Madre del Sur. However, the potential distribution of most of the hummingbirds occurred in disturbed sites or agroecosystems, as a result of changes in land-use. For Campylopterus hemileucurus, Lamprolaima rhami and Heliomaster longisrostris, their potential distribution was highest in areas of primary vegetation. Areas of high hummingbirds presence do not coincide with the Important Bird Areas proposed for bird conservation in Guerrero, considering that, despite its diversity and its extreme popularity, from the conservation perspective hummingbirds have received relatively little attention. Rev. Biol. Trop. 64 (1): 363-376. Epub 2016 March 01.
I report the presence of the Eurasian Collared-Dove (Streptopelia decaocto) in the state of Guer... more I report the presence of the Eurasian Collared-Dove (Streptopelia decaocto) in the state of Guerrero, Mexico. Also, I describe the sites where S. decaocto were recorded and their potential impacts on native birds are discussed. These records and others about this invasive species suggest its establishment and allow include it as part of the avifauna of Guerrero state.
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Mexico. Between 6 and 7 May 2014 we observed seven individuals of the Monk Parakeet roosting and foraging in an African
tulip tree (Spathodea campanulata). Since there were no nesting records, the present population status of the Monk Parakeet is
unknown. Future research should be aimed at clarifying the reproductive status of this population and the possible effects it may
cause.
Mexico. Between 6 and 7 May 2014 we observed seven individuals of the Monk Parakeet roosting and foraging in an African
tulip tree (Spathodea campanulata). Since there were no nesting records, the present population status of the Monk Parakeet is
unknown. Future research should be aimed at clarifying the reproductive status of this population and the possible effects it may
cause.