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Las concecuencias concervacionistas de aves de caza introducidas en las areas arbustivas de gran altura de Hawaii.
Author(s) -
Cole F. Russell,
Loope Lloyd L.,
Medeiros Arthur C.,
Raikes Jane A.,
Wood Cynthia S.
Publication year - 1995
Publication title -
conservation biology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.2
H-Index - 222
eISSN - 1523-1739
pISSN - 0888-8892
DOI - 10.1046/j.1523-1739.1995.9020306.x
Subject(s) - phasianus , biology , ecology , shrubland , endangered species , seed dispersal , pheasant , frugivore , alien , biological dispersal , ecosystem , habitat , population , demography , sociology , politics , citizenship , political science , law
The Ring‐necked Pheasant ( Phasianus colchicus ) and the Chukar ( Alectoris chukar ) are the dominant avifauna in high‐elevation shrubland (2070–3000 m) of Haleakala National Park, Maui, Hawaii. We studied the food habits, ecological niche, and effects of these alien game birds on the native biota in this Hawaiian ecosystem. Analyses of crop contents indicated that pheasant and Chukar consumed predominantly fruits of native, woody dicots (39% and 47% respectively) and leaves (29% and 24% respectively) and flower parts (12% and 17% respectively) of alien, herbaceous dicots. Both species generally selected food items according to their relative availability, although other factors influenced choice of certain items. Invertebrates were a minor component of the game‐bird diet, suggesting that their impact on native invertebrate populations is minimal. Pheasant and Chukar occupy, at least partially, an ecological niche once held by now‐extinct or rare birds, and they appear not to be significant competitors with the endangered Nene. The role of these alien birds in facilitating seed dispersal and germination of native plant species is beneficial in restoring degraded ecosystems.