Birds of the slash and burn habitats

Javier Ortiz

Working in the successional forest of the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve in Southern Mexico, the team of 5 will determine status, abundance and patterns of distribution, for both resident and migratory bird species in relation to the intensification of slash and burn agricultural practices within the reserve buffer zone. These studies will provide information about what habitat mosaic is most beneficial to bird diversity. Recommendations will be made for a scheme of habitat management that benefits both landowners and threatened species such as the Ocellated turkey (Agriocharis acellata) and the Great curassow (Crax rubra). Local people will be involved in the study and discussions about conservation and local students will be given opportunities to learn field techniques.