Abstract
The relationship between increase in faunal diversity and corresponding increase in habitat complexity was quantified using shrubland bird communities in western Africa. Vegetational characteristics were measured in circular plots around bird positions. Bird species were then arranged from grassy open habitats to dense shrubland and found to be separated into three distinct communities when subjected to Duncan's multiple range procedure in conjunction with discriminant functions analysis. Random samples classified with respect to bird species showed there were few species in the more abundant open habitats and a disproportionate number of species were packed into the less common but complex shrubby habitat. The species packing formula generated supports the concept that spacial heterogeneity is a factor promoting high biotic diversity.
Recommended Citation
James, Douglas A.
(1998)
"Quantifying Community Separation and Increase in Number of Avian Species with Corresponding Increase in Habitat Complexity, an African Example,"
Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science: Vol. 52, Article 13.
Available at:
https://scholarworks.uark.edu/jaas/vol52/iss1/13
