Plant composition, water resources and built structures influence bird diversity: a case study in a high Andean city with homogeneous soundscape

Rapid urban sprawl has a negative effect on biodiversity; however, if well planned, cities can contribute to the maintenance of bird communities. We analyzed land cover, water resources, building characteristics “habitat components” and the influence of noise on bird diversity in Huancavelica city, one of the highest cities in the world (3686 m.a.s.l.). We conducted bird surveys and noise monitoring, and recorded habitat components in 16 sampling areas between February and September 2020. Birds were detected visually and audibly using the point count. Noise was measured with a sound level meter, cover (%) of green areas, type of buildings, the presence of water sources and type of vegetation were determined. The influence of habitat components was analyzed using a multivariate canonical correspondence analysis and GLMs. We recorded 31 species, of which 13 (41.9%) were associated with some type of vegetation, 5 (16.1%) were associated with water sources and modern buildings (constructed of brick and concrete), 2 (6.5%) were strongly associated with buildings of vernacular material (constructed of clay, straw and wood) and impervious surfaces in SPUGS, and 11 (35.5%) were not associated with any specific habitat component evaluated. Noise did not influence species diversity or abundance. In our study, land cover and building characteristics were found to influence bird diversity, whereas noise had no major influence. Therefore, in a context of permanent urban expansion, we recommend putting special emphasis on the planning and design of green areas and the selection of plant species in small cities undergoing expansion.