Influence of Degradation Level by Human Interference on the Steppe Avian Diversity
Author of the article:LIU Zi-cheng1, LI Le2, WAN Dong-mei2*, ZHAO Jiang3
Author's Workplace:(1. College of Environment, Liaoning University, Shenyang 110036, China; 2. College of Life Sciences, Liaoning University, Shenyang 110036, China; 3. College of Life Sciences, Jilin Normal University, Siping, Jilin Province 136000, China)
Key Words:bird diversity; steppe degradation; species diversity
Abstract:In the nature ecosystems, avian respond to the change of environmental conditions rapidly. Thus, they may act as an indicator of ecological and natural quality. In this study, the avian diversity was investigated at three plots based on degradation levels in Stipa baicalensis steppe of Tumuji-Beidagang of the north-west Songliao plain, northeastern China from April to June in 2001. The results showed that vegetation condition was the most appropriate in the plot without any degradation, plant species richness was the highest in slightly degraded plot, and is the worst in moderate degraded steppe of all. Totally, 19 breeding avian species belonging to 14 families of 8 orders were recorded, and species of Alaudidae was the common species in the three spots. Avian species diversity gradually reduced with the intensity of steppe degradation. Evenness index ranged from 0.81 to 0.86. Homogenized steppe habitat type led to similar avian diversity. The similarity index was above 80% between any two plots.