Niche Overlap Between Two Sympatric Steppe Birds in Inner Mongolia: Habitat Selection and Insights for Conservation.

ABSTRACT: The destruction and degradation of natural ecosystems is a major driver of biodiversity loss. The steppe ecosystem is under threat from human activities and habitat degradation. Fine-scale breeding habitat selection is critical for the survival of steppe birds, but understanding the factors that drive this selection remains challenging. This study uses field point-count surveys to examine factors influencing habitat selection and quantify niche overlap between two closely related steppe bird species: Jankowski's Bunting (Emberiza jankowskii) and Meadow Bunting (E. cioides) in Inner Mongolia, China. These species share similar ecological traits and overlapping habitats, making them ideal for exploring how fine-scale habitat selection and resource differentiation enable coexist

SUBMITTER: Han Z 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11850443 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature