Environmental characterization of the avifauna in a caatinga fragment in the lower São Francisco region, Bahia state

Abstract

Among the regions of Caatinga in the Northeastern part of Brazil considered a priority for conservation of biological diversity by environmental agencies we have the Municipality of Gloria, located in the semi-arid region of Bahia State. To achieve information about the rural avifauna in the Caatinga, as well as contribute to the knowledge and conservation of this group, an avifauna survey was conducted in the village of Retiro. The avifaunal observations occurred weekly, in the period of July through December 2019, with sampling effort between the 06am to 10am, and 3pm to 5pm. The linear transect method was used, selecting a pre-existing trail in the studied area. The birds were visualized through binoculars and then photographed, and their vocalizations recorded. The species sampled have been grouped regarding sensitivity (high, medium or low) and habitat use (dependent, semi-dependent and dependent). We recorded sixty-five species, distributed in twenty-seven families and thirteen orders, with eight species endemics to Brazil, and four endemics to the Caatinga. The Tyrannidae family was the most representative with twelve species. Regarding sensitivity, forty-nine species have been classified as having low sensitivity, sixteen as having medium sensitivity and none as having high sensitivity. With respect to habitat use, thirty-six species were recorded as independent of forested environments, twenty-five as semi-dependent and four species as dependent.