Influence of interspecific competition and landscape structure on spatial homogenization of avian assemblages.

ABSTRACT: Human-induced biotic homogenization resulting from landscape change and increased competition from widespread generalists or 'winners', is widely recognized as a global threat to biodiversity. However, it remains unclear what aspects of landscape structure influence homogenization. This paper tests the importance of interspecific competition and landscape structure, for the spatial homogeneity of avian assemblages within a fragmented agricultural landscape of eastern Australia. We used field observations of the density of 128 diurnal bird species to calculate taxonomic and functional similarity among assemblages. We then examined whether taxonomic and functional similarity varied with patch type, the extent of woodland habitat, land-use intensity, habitat subdivision, and the presence of M

SUBMITTER: Robertson OJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3665551 | biostudies-literature | 2013

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature