Avifauna da Serra do Parafuso (Mata Grande, AL), um importante e ameaçado remanescente da Caatinga alagoana

Abstract

The Caatinga is characterized by its predominantly seasonal dry tropical forest vegetation. For a long time, this biome was described in the literature as having low biodiversity and little interest for conservation purposes. This perception led to the Caatinga becoming the most neglected Brazilian biome in terms of conservation efforts. Fortunately, in recent decades, comprehensive investigations have revealed a high richness of fauna and flora in this biome. However, this richness is now at risk due to the intensification of human activities. One activity that has garnered attention in recent years for its potential impacts on the Caatinga biome is the installation of wind energy generation parks, particularly in hilly areas where wind turbines are most commonly placed. Considering the avifauna, the primary impacts resulting from this type of activity are direct mortality due to collisions with rotor blades and habitat loss. The main objective of this study was to characterize the avifauna of Serra do Parafuso and its surroundings in terms of species richness and abundance, aiming to expand our ornithological knowledge of this important and threatened remnant of the Caatinga in Alagoas. This information is crucial for the conservation of the region, especially since Serra do Parafuso is being considered for the installation of a wind park. Bird samples were collected in Serra do Parafuso, located in the extreme northwest of the state of Alagoas, with altitudes ranging from 300 to 810 meters above sea level. To enable meaningful comparisons, three distinct sampling areas were delineated: (1) "Valley," (2) "Slope," and (3) "Mountain Top." Bird sampling took place between October 2018 and January 2022, spanning a total of 67 days. During this period, the avifauna was studied qualitatively and quantitatively using two methods: "Mackinnon Lists" and "Point Counts." A total of 151 species were recorded, with 113 species in the "Valley," 89 species on the "Slope," and 108 on the "Mountain Top." Among these species, 7 are highly sensitive to environmental changes, with 6 of them occurring on the "Mountain Top." Additionally, two taxa threatened with extinction were identified (Penelope jacucaca and Xiphocolaptes falcirostris), and 25 species are considered endemic to the Caatinga. Out of the 151 recorded species, 82 are typical of "semi-open" habitats, 45 are from "open" habitats, and 24 species are from "dense" habitats, with the "Mountain Top" having a higher number of species from "dense" habitats. Regarding foraging strata, the majority of bird species belong to the "foliage-gleaning" and "terrestrial" strata. The most represented trophic groups were "insectivores" (with 80 species) and "omnivores" (25 species). The results presented in this study underscore the necessity for careful planning regarding the implementation of the wind park in Serra do Parafuso. The aim should be to avoid, or at the very least mitigate, impacts on the avifauna, thereby preventing the local extinction of some species, especially those already threatened with extinction.