Influência do uso da terra na diversidade funcional de aves, na insetivoria e na produção de uvas em vinícolas neotropicais

Abstract

Agriculture is one of the main processes that change natural landscapes with new configurations. These new landscapes can be formed by forest fragments and mosaics of different land uses, such as agricultural crops. These transformations have consequences for biodiversity, not only at taxonomic per se, but also at functional diversity, which may have implications for ecosystem services provision. With this knowledge, my thesis aims to elucidate as different consequences of bird taxonomic and functional diversity in relation to different land uses in vineyards in southeastern Brazil. As well, the provision of ecosystem services performed by birds and bats in crops. Thus, I approach in my first chapter the influence of landscape on a gradient of heterogeneity and forest cover on bird diversity. My results show that heterogeneity landscapes explained the variation in three metrics of functional diversity, but it is not related to taxonomic diversity. Avian communities in vineyards landscapes suffer by environmental filter. However, in heterogeneous landscapes, these same communities can be structured by limiting similarity processes. In the second chapter, I used the same landscape gradient influence in pest control and how it affects crop yield. Using fishnets for predators exclusions, my results showed that birds and bats can control arthropods in vineyards, they can reduce leaf damage and result in higher agricultural production, estimated at ~USD 2.300 per ha. These results can be able to assist management agricultural areas by encouraging decision-makers and farmers to maintain forested areas or higher heterogeneity within the crops. Finally, these considerations can benefit biodiversity and people in a win-win process.