Relation between habitat attributes and bird richness in a western Mexico suburb

As an area becomes urbanized, the replacement of original habitats with human-made structures can reduce biodiversity. Urban ecology studies demonstrate that bird species richness is negatively related to increased urbanization. Nevertheless, our understanding of the processes that determine how bird communities respond to urbanization is still rudimentary. In particular, there is lack of studies investigating the dynamics of urban bird communities in tropical areas. I explored the effects of human-influenced attributes on bird richness at eight plots within a suburb in tropical Guadalajara, Mexico. Results of this study suggest that tree foliar cover and maximum tree height are predictors of bird species richness at this site. Additionally, tree foliar cover was related to which trophic guilds dominated the avian community. In order to assist in the maintenance and promotion of native bird species within tropical urbanized areas, I suggest three urban planning and management activities: (1) the evaluation of fast growing, tall, wide-ranging foliar cover tree species native to the study area, (2) the increase of green area extension with the selected tree species along the urbanized area, and (3) the use of urban ecology research recommendations into managing and developmental plans.