Abstract
Birds are the most diverse functional groups in dynamic forest ecosystems, and serve as important indicators reflecting habitat types or environmental qualities. We investigated species richness and abundance distribution patterns of bird assemblages in different spatial-temporal scales, and examined factors and their interactions influencing bird assemblages. Bird community censuses were proceeded in 2010 among three elevation ranges at the Liouguei Experimental Forest, while measurements of environmental factors and vegetations were also carried out subsequently. In Duo-Na area, the mean bird species and abundance per sampling point differed significantly among seasons and vegetation types. Elevational effects acted only on bird abundance, which reached to the peak at the range of 1600 ~ 2000 m. The interaction between season and vegetation type revealed a significant influence on bird abundance, too. In Fong-Gang Shan, the mean bird species and abundance were significantly different among seasons, vegetation types, and elevation ranges, whereas both were the highest at 1000 ~ 1600 m. The interaction between season and elevation had a significant effect on bird species distributions; however, the interaction between season and vegetation type acted just on bird abundance patterns. The mean bird species and abundance showed the lowest levels after breeding seasons in both two study areas, and those in Fong-Gang Shan exhibited an even lower trend. In contrary to that the highest mean bird species and abundance occurred in mixed and primary forests, respectively, in Fong-Gang Shan, both two peaked in artificial forests in Duo-Na area. On the whole, species richness, proportions of endemic and endemic subspecies, and numbers of protected species were all more abundant in primary and mixed forests than in artificial forests at Liouguei Experimental Forest. There were significant effects of season, vegetation type, and elevation range on bird assemblage distribution patterns, especially those of the interaction between season and vegetation type. Automatic acoustic-sensing systems provided another method and comparative research with traditional bird inventories. Furthermore, it might apply to monitor specific bird species or behaviors automatically, and make the connection between individuals and habitats.