González, Gustavo M.

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    Distribución y abundancia de la reinita de Bosque Enano (Dendroica angelae) en el bosque de Maricao y en áreas adyacentes
    (2008) González, Gustavo M.; Delannoy, Carlos A.; College of Arts and Sciences - Sciences; Acosta, Jaime; Lewis, Allen; Department of Biology
    The Elfin-woods Warbler (Dendroica angelae) (EWWA hereafter) is a threatened endemic species of Puerto Rico with a current limited distribution to the Caribbean National Forest, and Maricao Forest. The objectives of this study were to determine the distribution and the spatial pattern of the EWWA in Maricao Forest and adjacent areas, determine if there were any seasonal changes in its distribution, identify the habitats used by this bird, and determine the abundance of the EWWA in habitats of Maricao Forest and adjacent areas. Sampling units selected were point-count stations (361 points) spaced 200 m apart along habitats within the Maricao Forests and adjacent areas. I used a playback of EWWA song at all stations during five minutes in order to determine species presence and abundance. Surveys and counts were conducted monthly from January 2005 through December 2006. The distribution of the EWWA’s population in western PR is restricted to the Maricao Forest and habitats close to its perimeter. EWWA was not recorded in Susúa Forest. The aggregated pattern was the dominant spatial pattern in the distribution. There were no seasonal changes in the EWWA distribution. EWWA was not recorded in the Un-shaded Coffee Plantations. EWWA abundance was highest in Podocarpus Forest (1.41 individuals per point-count station) and lowest in Dry Adjacent Forest (0.01). The adjacent habitats (human modified) could be suboptimal or marginal for the species because they cannot sustain populations abundantly. In addition, EWWA abundance decreased with distance away from the center of the Maricao Forest and at lower elevations. These two variables and habitat have a close relationship because as we move away from the center of the forest, the elevation decreases and the habitat changes, influencing negatively the abundance and distribution of this species. This raises questions about the adequacy of these habitats at lower elevations and further away from Maricao Forest as effective corridors for EWWA dispersal. EWWA’s preferred habitat must be protected from further modification and destruction. Conservation agreements and partnerships with landowners adjacent to the Maricao Forest should be established. The implementation of these conservation measures can improve and safeguard the continuing survival of the species.