Bird diverzity along altitudinal gradient
WHY THIS PROJECT?
Elevational gradients continue to present a specific challenge for the understanding of basic ecological patterns. After a century of research, the variations in patterns of elevational species richness and the causes thereof, are still not well understood (Rahbek 2005, McCain 2009). However, there has been a recent revival of interest in the analysis of elevational zonation (Hofer et al. 1999, 2000, Kessler 2000, Hemp 2002, Tuomisto et al. 2003, Mena & Vázquez-Domínguez, 2005).
Studies on tropical elevational gradients have traditionally been descriptive (e.g. Fjeldså & Lovett 1997, Patterson et al. 1998), and there has been a lack of rigorous analyses of zonation on local transects (Romdal & Rahbek 2009, McCain personal communication). Most of the works (87%, McCain 2009) on altitudinal gradients are compiled from regional bird field guides and faunal surveys that included elevational ranges for each species. The non-compiled works are affected by sampling method, length of altitudinal gradient and disturbance. Thus, this meta-analysis support need for actual and rigorous bird surveys along complete altitudinal gradient in undisturbed areas.
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WHO DO IT?
Find more details about our team members and work.
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NEWS FROM PROJECT
13.4.2010 START OF FIELD WORK
We strated project at 200m asl and continued uphill surveying each plot for 6 days. We were training ourselves in bird identification so we worked together. We did 3 days of point-counts and 3 days od mist-netting. 28.7. 2010 FIELD WORK ON THE FIRST SURVEY FINISHED The work went according to plan and we finished first survey in this order. Starting from 200m asl we moved to 700m, 1200m, 1700m and continued to 3700m, 3200m, 2700m, 2200. We counted some PRELIMINARY RESULTS to monitor and evaluated our work. 20.8.2010 FIELD WOK POSTPONED DUE TO COMMUNITY PROBLEM After starting of survey at 200m and continuing to 1700m, our field camp group faced serious problems with neighbouring community. We stopped the work. All data were saved/ |
16.9.2010 NEW START AT SINOPASS
We started again after short reconvalescence, long discussions and safety precautions. Visit of Goroka Cultural Show(photos) was part of enjoying of our team. After that a month of hard time in terrain came. We tried to fit to all changeovers, deadlines and terms of our team members.
13.10.2010 FIELD WORK FINISHED
I feel good with all datasheets saved and waiting for analyses. We will continue in March 2011.
We started again after short reconvalescence, long discussions and safety precautions. Visit of Goroka Cultural Show(photos) was part of enjoying of our team. After that a month of hard time in terrain came. We tried to fit to all changeovers, deadlines and terms of our team members.
13.10.2010 FIELD WORK FINISHED
I feel good with all datasheets saved and waiting for analyses. We will continue in March 2011.