Complex Small-Holder Agriculture in Rainforest Buffer Zone, Sri Lanka, Supports Endemic Birds

Complex small-holder agroforestry in the buffer zone of Sinharaja Forest Reserve, Sri Lankasupports higher abundance and diversity of endemic birds compared to tea plantations or forest fragments. The study found that tree gardens, characterized by multi-strata vegetation, hosted more bird species across various ecological traits than other land-use types. While forest fragments and tree gardens showed similar overall bird abundance, their species assemblages differed significantly. Additionally, increased shade tree richness in tea plots correlated with greater bird diversity. This research underscores the potential for small-scale agroforestry to enhance biodiversity conservation within protected area buffer zones, offering a practical model for sustainable land management.

Hanle, J., Singhakumara, B. M. P., & Ashton, M. S. (2021). Complex Small-Holder Agriculture in Rainforest Buffer Zone, Sri Lanka, Supports Endemic Birds. Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution, 9. https://doi.org/10.3389/fevo.2021.608434