Habitat relationships of forest birds on Tutuila Island, American Samoa

Document Type

Article

Department or Administrative Unit

Geography

Publication Date

11-1999

Abstract

Aim Our knowledge of landbirds on tropical Pacific islands is often comprised of brief, one‐time surveys. We know little of species’ habitat preferences, and this information is critical for understanding the resource requirements or population status of native species and the impacts of human activity on island birds.

LocationTutuila Island, American Samoa.

Methods The spatial patterns in forest birds were investigated. This island harbours large tracts of native forest, a variety of disturbed and non‐native forests, and some relatively healthy bird populations. The distribution of birds was correlated with forest types using habitat data collected at fifty‐seven sites and avian census data collected monthly for 1–4 years at these sites.

ResultsDifferences in location and in vegetation structure and composition between native and non‐native habitats are important influences on the distribution of birds on Tutuila. Among native species, for example, the purple‐capped fruit‐dove (Ptilinopus porphyraceus Temminck) is dependent upon native habitat, the Samoan starling (Aplonis atrifusca Peale) occurs in all habitats, and the cardinal honeyeater (Myzomela cardinalis Gmelin) is more abundant in low elevation, non‐native habitat.

ConclusionsThis research reinforces the importance of quantitative assessment of habitat relationships in the study and conservation of Pacific birds.

Comments

This article was originally published in Journal of Biogeography. The full-text article from the publisher can be found here.

Due to copyright restrictions, this article is not available for free download from ScholarWorks @ CWU.

Journal

Journal of Biogeography

Rights

© 1999 Blackwell Science Ltd

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