Farmed landscapes cause species loss (#journal)

Response of avian diversity to habitat modification can be predicted from life-history traits and ecological attributes

Research has found a substantial reduction in bird species living in cultivated mango orchards compared to natural habitats in Southern Africa. The scientists were aiming to ascertain whether agriculture could add novel habitat elements and thereby support additional bird species complementary to those already present in the natural areas – but found that in contrast, there was a loss of 35% of the bird species within the farmed land. The researchers say farmland is a poor substitute for natural areas but simple improvements could make a difference to biodiversity conservation.