Effects of land‐use change on avian taxonomic, functional and phylogenetic diversity in a tropical montane rainforest

Even low levels of land-use change significantly alter species composition and reduce bird diversity in tropical montane rainforests, according to a study conducted in Nyungwe National Park, Rwanda. While overall functional and phylogenetic diversity remained similar across different land-use types, the research revealed a notable contraction in trophic and locomotory trait structures in restored and cultivated areas, respectively. Soil moisture, elevation, and lower vegetation height emerged as key factors influencing these dimensions of bird community diversity, though their effects varied. The findings underscore the sensitivity of forest species to minor habitat disturbance, highlighting the importance of conserving primary vegetation and adopting wildlife-friendly agricultural practices for long-term conservation in Afromontane ecosystems.

Rurangwa, M. L., Aguirre‐Gutiérrez, J., Matthews, T. J., Niyigaba, P., Wayman, J. P., Tobias, J. A., & Whittaker, R. J. (2021). Effects of land‐use change on avian taxonomic, functional and phylogenetic diversity in a tropical montane rainforest. Diversity and Distributions, 27(9), 1732–1746. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1111/ddi.13364