西双版纳不同林茶复合生态系统碳储量

为了探明上层遮荫树种对茶园碳储量的影响,根据所建立的茶园上层树种及茶树的生物量模型估算了不同林茶复合生态系统的生物量,结合植物、土壤样品碳含量的实测值,对西双版纳州勐海县4种茶园组合模式及纯茶园的碳储量进行了分析。结果表明:樟树+茶、樟-杉+茶2种组合模式的碳储量分别比纯茶园碳储量(223.442t·hm-2)高22.701、3.871t·hm-2,而4种遮荫树种+茶、6种遮荫树种+茶2种组合模式的碳储量则分别比纯茶园低10.828、5.717t·hm-2。各茶园总碳储量以土壤的碳储量所占比例最大,达91.8%～96.0%,随上层树种数量的增加而降低,并在4种遮荫树种+茶组合模式达到最低;而植物体的碳储量仅占总碳储量的4.0%～8.2%,呈现随上层树种数量增加而先增加后降低的趋势。表明西双版纳的人工茶园复合态系统具有很强的碳储存能力。     

Traditional agricultural gardens conserve wild plants and functional richness in arid South Sinai

Maintaining agricultural diversity is important for the conservation of rare species and for preserving underlying ecosystem processes on which smallholder farmers rely. The positive effects of crop diversity are well documented in tropical systems, but the conservation potential of arid agricultural systems is less clear. This study assesses the impact of three arid agroforestry systems on plant diversity and functional richness in South Sinai, Egypt: (1) mountain orchard gardens, (2) modern town gardens and (3) low desert date-palm gardens. We surveyed plants (cultivated and wild) within gardens and control plots of natural habitat and allocated each plant eight biological traits that are recognised as being linked with major ecosystem processes. Species diversity was quantified using three measures (Hill's numbers) and total species diversity was significantly higher within gardens than in the surrounding habitat at all three levels of diversity and across the three agroforestry systems. Species similarity was high between gardens and the surrounding habitat, and there was a strong overlap in the functional traits of wild plants and cultivated non-tree species. Despite the clear presence of trees within the gardens, the community weighted trait means (CWMs) showed that chamaephyte perennials were the dominant life-forms in both the gardens and the natural habitat. Functional richness differed between the three agroforestry systems, but was significantly higher within the gardens. Functional richness has been linked to increased productivity and CWMs showed that plants within the gardens were considerably taller than outside, suggesting higher biomass accumulation. These findings suggest that Bedouin agricultural practices are not having a negative effect on the flora of the region and that the continuation of these indigenous farming practices can actively benefit rare wild plants in the region. On a wider scale, this study supports the view that smallholder farms and homegardens can be valuable tools in conservation, preserving local species and maintaining ecosystem functioning.     

Vegetative and reproductive phenology of some multipurpose tree species in the homegardens of Barak Valley, northeast India

Traditional homegardens are an important component of the farming systems in many rural communities and have been highlighted considerably due to their sustainability and role in the conservation of biodiversity. However, the functional aspect of the homegardens, which includes the phenological behavior of the dominant tree species in such agroforestry systems, has been undermined till date, and there is a lack of adequate data on this aspect of the traditional homegardens. As a step in this direction the present study was carried out to determine the phenological behavior of important multipurpose trees in the homegardens of the village of Dargakona, Assam, northeast India. The study revealed the dominance of periodic growth deciduous species from a total of 25 tree species selected for phenological observation. The diversity of multipurpose trees in the homegardens is represented by different plant functional types with different phenological behavior which showed significant changes in their responses to inter-annual climatic variations. The diversity of tree species with different phenological behavior has implications for the temporal partitioning of resources, especially during periods of scarcity, thereby resulting in efficient utilization of resources such as water. Also the diverse phenological behavior plays an important role in regulating the food supply for the herbivore population and the year-round availability of products, and such information can be useful in the selection of species for integration into other agroforestry systems which can be sustainable in the long run.     

Tree recovery and seed dispersal by birds: Comparing forest, agroforestry and abandoned agroforestry in coastal Ecuador

We used a highly replicated study to examine vegetation characteristics between patches of intervened forest, abandoned agroforestry systems with coffee and actively managed agroforestry systems with coffee in a tropical landscape. In all habitats, plant structural characteristics, individual abundance, species richness and composition were recorded for the three plant size classes: adult trees, saplings and seedlings. Furthermore, bird species richness and composition, and seeds dispersed by birds were recorded. Tree abundance was higher in forest habitats while saplings and seedlings were more abundant in abandoned coffee sites. Although species richness of adult trees was similar in the three habitats, species richness of saplings and seedlings was much higher in forest and abandoned coffee than in managed coffee sites. However, in spite of their relatively low species richness, managed coffee sites are an important refuge for tree species common to the almost disappeared mature forest in the area. Floristic similarity for adult trees was relatively low between land use types, but clearly higher for seedlings, indicating homogenizing processes at the landscape level. More than half of the saplings and seedling were not represented by adults in the canopy layer, suggesting the importance of seed dispersal by birds between habitats. Our results show that each of the studied ecosystems plays a unique and complementary role as seed source and as habitat for tree recovery and tree diversity.     

Avian richness and abundance in temperate Danish forests: tree variables important to birds and their conservation

Many studies on avian diversity and forest structure have focused onfiner scale forest variables such as foliage height diversity, foliagediversity, foliage density, vertical distribution of vegetation and horizontalvegetation density. From a conservation and forestry operational point of viewit would be of great interest if tree variables influenced directly by forestrymanagement decisions also had significant influence on avian richness andabundance. The species, age and size of a tree are examples of such treevariables. A great number of studies also have focused on avian diversityindices to reveal relationships with vegetation variables. However, it may bemore appropriate for foresters and conservation officers to operate withrichness and abundance measures directly, because indices complicateinterpretations on the relative importance of the two variables (richness andabundance) constituting the index. Fourteen managed temperate forests in Denmarkwere investigated for avian species richness and abundance and related tomeasures on different tree variables influenced directly by forestry managementdecisions. A rapid assessment method of avian richness and abundance wasemployed. It consisted of point-counts of bird richness and abundance within 1km² of forest. General linear models were tested byanalyses of variance statistics to reveal the tree variables most important toavian richness and abundance. It was found that more old trees, more treespecies and more tree size-classes correlated with more bird species andindividuals. However, some variation in bird richness and abundance was alsorelated to site quality and/or chance colonization. Moreover, it was shown thatthe guild of cavity-nesting birds correlated positively to age of tree stand.The potential number of bird species in Danish forest is similar to that innearly pristine forest in Poland, and much larger than that recorded in any ofthe forests investigated. Together with the results above, this indicates a highpotential for squeezing in more avian species in a higher quality forest from abiodiversity point of view. Modern Danish forestry affects tree variablesinfluenced directly by forestry management decisions. Such tree variables havegreat influence on avian richness and abundance, but simple measures in forestrypractices can be taken to enhance the conservation of bird richness andabundance.     

Effect of size and altitude on soil organic carbon stock in homegarden agroforestry system in Central Himalaya,India

Homegarden agroforestry system has potential to sequester carbon while simultaneously producing agriculture yield and tree products. This study analyzed relationship between homegarden size and soil organic carbon stock (SCS) along an altitudinal gradient in Central Himalaya, India. Homegardens were selected at four altitudes (very low, low, mid and high) and categorized into three size classes viz. small, medium and large. Soil samples from surface (0–15 cm) and sub surface soils (15–30 cm) were collected seasonally and analyzed. Results indicated that SCS ranged between 22.56 and 81.51 t C ha⁻¹ and increased with increasing altitude for small homegardens. For medium and large homegardens, it increased up to mid altitude and then decreased in high altitude homegardens. At each altitude, maximum SCS (38.56–66.16 t C ha⁻¹) was recorded for medium sized homegardens except at high altitude where it was maximum (66.01 t C ha⁻¹) for small homegardens. Seasonal variation in SCS showed inconsistent pattern along the altitudinal gradient. The differences in SCS due to size and altitude recorded in the present study are possibly caused by distinct quality of plant material and management practices.     

宁夏罗山国家级自然保护区鸟类区系特征及群落结构

自2010年10月至2011年12月对宁夏罗山国家级保护区鸟类区系及群落结构进行了调查研究,共记录到鸟类15目46科98属164种,占宁夏已知鸟类总种数的48.81%。其中留鸟51种(31.10%),夏候鸟68种(41.64%),旅鸟38种(23.17%),冬候鸟7种(4.27%)。繁殖鸟119种,其中以古北界鸟类占优势,有88种,占繁殖鸟总数的73.95%;东洋界种15种,占12.61%;广布种鸟类16种,占13.45%。研究发现不同季节、不同生境中的鸟类群落特征差异较大。林地鸟类物种数和多样性指数最高,水域鸟类具有最高的G-F指数。相似性分析显示,山地荒漠草地和废弃村庄的鸟类群落,林地和浅山灌丛鸟类群落,分别具有一定的相似性。春季鸟类群落物种数、G-F指数、多样性指数和均匀度指数最高。     

Seasonal contrasts in the response of coffee ants to agroforestry shade-tree management

In many tropical landscapes, agroforestry systems are the last forested ecosystems, providing shade, having higher humidity, mitigating potential droughts, and possessing more species than any other crop system. Here, we tested the hypothesis that higher levels of shade and associated humidity in agroforestry enhance coffee ant richness more during the dry than rainy season, comparing ant richness in 22 plots of three coffee agroforestry types in coastal Ecuador: simple-shade agroforests (intensively managed with low tree species diversity), complex-shade agroforests (extensively managed with intermediate tree species diversity) and abandoned coffee agroforests (abandoned for 10-15 yr and resembling secondary forests). Seasonality affected responses of ant richness but not composition to agroforestry management, in that most species were observed in abandoned coffee agroforests in the dry season. In the rainy season, however, most species were found in simple-shade agroforests, and complex agroforestry being intermediate. Foraging coffee ants species composition did not change differently according to agroforestry type and season. Results show that shade appears to be most important in the dry seasons, while a mosaic of different land-use types may provide adequate environmental conditions to ant species, maximizing landscape-wide richness throughout the year.     

From Forest to Farmland: Species Richness Patterns of Trees and Understorey Plants along a Gradient of Forest Conversion in Southwestern Cameroon

Vegetation surveys were carried out at 24 sampling stations distributed over four land use types, namely near-primary forest, secondary forest, agroforestry systems and annual crop lands in the northeastern part of the Korup region, Cameroon, to assess the impact of forest conversion on trees and understorey plants. Tree species richness decreased significantly with increasing level of habitat modification, being highest and almost equal in secondary and near-primary forests. Understorey plant species richness was significantly higher in annual crop lands than in other land use types. The four land use types differed in tree and understorey plant species composition, the difference being smaller among natural forests. Tree and understorey plant density differed significantly between habitat types. Density was strongly correlated with species richness, both for trees and understorey plants. Five tree and 15 understorey plant species showed significant responses to habitat. A 90% average drop in tree basal area from forest to farmland was registered. Our findings support the view that agroforestry systems with natural shade trees can serve to protect many forest species, but that especially annual crop lands could be redesigned to improve biodiversity conservation in agricultural landscapes of tropical rainforest regions.     

太白山北坡夏秋季鸟类物种多样性

2006年5月～7月(夏季),9月～10月(秋季)在秦岭主峰太白山的北坡根据海拔和典型植被划分生境类型,在6种生境中选择典型样区划定样线并采用样线法对鸟类进行调查,根据鸟类的绝对数量和估算面积计算鸟类的绝对密度,并根据密度等级划分各生境类型中优势物种和常见物种。共观察到鸟类144种,其中留鸟102种,夏候鸟41种,冬候鸟1种。不同的海拔和不同生境类型中的鸟类物种丰富度和多度有较大差异,而且同一生境中鸟类多样性的季节性变化也很明显。无论是夏季还是秋季,低海拔农田带生境中鸟类的总密度最高,而高山灌丛草甸生境中的鸟类总密度最低。优势物种和常见物种在不同的生境类型组成也不相同,而且在不同季节也有变化。夏秋季的鸟类食性组成在农田带有显著差异,而其它生境类型中的鸟类食性夏秋季无明显差异,但是秋季植食性鸟类在各个生境类型中都有增多的趋势。物种丰富度和海拔梯度的关系显示在中海拔地区的鸟类丰富度最高。总体上,和20世纪80年代相比,太白山北坡的鸟类已经发生了明显的变化。     

内蒙古中部地区繁殖鸟类多样性调查

2011年5～6月,采用样线法和固定半径样点法对内蒙古中部地区荒漠草原、典型草原及湿地3种生境中的鸟类进行了调查,共记录到繁殖鸟63种,隶属于11目25科,其中留鸟12种,夏候鸟51种。在动物地理区系成分上,古北界鸟类54种(占85.71%);东洋界鸟类9种(占14.29%)。调查结果表明,3种生境的鸟类群落结构在多样性指数上以湿地为最高,其次为荒漠草原,典型草原最低;均匀度指数最高的为荒漠草原,其次为湿地,典型草原最低。     

Avian Diversity in Agricultural Landscape: Records from Burdwan,West Bengal,India

Avianspecies assemblages are potential indicators of integrity and stability of ecosystem structure and functions. Characteristic avian fauna in landscapes enable predictions about the environmental state and possible deviations in the ecosystem functions. Documentation of avian species assemblages in different landscapes are therefore being emphasized from environmental monitoring perspective. As a primary effort, the present commentary depicts the avian species assemblage of agricultural landscapes, using Burdwan, West Bengal, India, as a study area. Employing line-transect method of continuous survey and opportunistic encounter, a total of 144 bird species under 51 families and 19 orders were recorded from the study area. The avian species richness was highest for the order Passeriformes followed by Charadriidae and rest 17 orders. Resident, local migrant and migrant species constituted 61.15, 31.65 and 7.20 % of the bird community, respectively. Most of the bird species (51.85 %) were associated consistently with the agricultural fields as their habitat followed by aquatic systems (29.20 %) and human habitat (18.98 %). The study records the presence of three species under IUCN Near Threatened category and many species exhibiting sparse population based on the encounter rate and number of individuals in the habitat. The observed richness of bird species in the study area calls for further studies on habitat preference, census and breeding biology to highlight species specific roles in ecosystem functions and sustenance of ecosystem services.     

Agroforestry systems conserve species-rich but modified assemblages of tropical birds and bats

Although an increasing number of studies have shown that diverse, multi-strata agroforestry systems can contribute to the conservation of tropical biodiversity, there is still debate about how the biodiversity within agroforestry systems compares to that of intact forest and alternative land uses. In order to assess the relative importance of agroforestry systems for biodiversity conservation, we characterized bat and bird assemblages occurring in forests, two types of agroforestry systems (cacao and banana) and plantain monocultures in the indigenous reserves of Talamanca, Costa Rica. A total of 2,678 bats of 45 species were captured, and 3,056 birds of 224 species were observed. Agroforestry systems maintained bat assemblages that were as (or more) species-rich, abundant and diverse as forests, had the same basic suite of dominant species, but contained more nectarivorous bats than forests. Agroforestry systems also contained bird assemblages that were as abundant, species-rich and diverse as forests; however the species composition of these assemblages was highly modified, with fewer forest dependent species, more open area species and different dominant species. The plantain monocultures had highly modified and depauperate assemblages of both birds and bats. Across land uses, bird diversity and species richness were more closely correlated with the structural and floristic characteristics than were bats, suggesting potential taxon-specific responses to different land uses. Our results indicate that diverse cacao and banana agroforestry systems contribute to conservation efforts by serving as habitats to high numbers of bird and bat species, including some, but not all, forest-dependent species and species of known conservation concern. However, because the animal assemblages in agroforestry systems differ from those in forests, the maintenance of forests within the agricultural landscape is critical for conserving intact assemblages at the landscape level.     

Effects of forest modification on bird community composition and seed removal in a heterogeneous landscape in South Africa

Human disturbance threatens and modifies forest ecosystems worldwide. Previous studies have investigated the effects of human impact on local bird communities in disturbed forests, but we still lack information on how bird species richness and ecological processes respond to different forest modifications present at a landscape scale. In a heterogeneous South African landscape, we chose six types of indigenous scarp forest, differing in the intensity of human disturbance: continuous natural forests and natural forest fragments in nature reserves, forest fragments in eucalyptus plantations, fragments in the agricultural matrix, forest gardens and secondary forests in game reserves. In 36 study sites, we investigated the bird community using point counts and observed the seed removal of birds at the native tree species Celtis africana. Species richness did not differ among the forest types, but abundance varied significantly with most birds observed in fragments in the agricultural matrix, forest gardens, and secondary forests. The higher bird abundance in these forests was mainly due to forest generalists, shrubland and open country species whereas forest specialists were rarely present. Changes in species composition were also confirmed by multivariate analysis which clearly separated bird communities by forest type. Frugivore abundance in C. africana was highest in natural forest fragments, fragments in the agricultural matrix, forest gardens and secondary forests. The same trend was found for the estimated total number of fruits removed per C. africana tree, though the differences among forest types were not significant. Consequently, modified forests seem to maintain important ecological functions as they provide food sources for generalist species which may, due to their mobility, enhance natural plant regeneration. However, we could show that protected forest habitats are important refugees for specialist species sensitive to human disturbance.     

不同生境条件与管理方式对茶园蜘蛛群落结构及多样性的影响

蜘蛛在茶园的生态控制和生物防治中起到重要的作用,为了解不同生境条件和管理方式的茶园蜘蛛群落结构差异和多样性变化,于2011年3月份—2011年10月份,运用振落承接和过筛法对3种不同类型茶园的蜘蛛群落组成与多样性进行了调查。结果表明:(1)3种类型茶园蜘蛛群落组成:3种类型茶园蜘蛛群落在科、属、种的组成及个体数量上,均表现为有机茶园高,无公害茶园次之,普通茶园低,且在物种数和个体数存在显著差异。管巢蛛科和狼蛛科是3种类型茶园的优势类群,球蛛科、跳蛛科、狼蛛科、皿蛛科的物种优势度大于10%。(2)蜘蛛群落物种多样性的多重分析结果表明,有机茶园蜘蛛群落的个体数、物种数、物种多样性指数、物种丰富度指数和均匀度指数均高于无公害茶园和普通茶园,普通茶园最低,且达到显著水平(P0.05)。(3)多元数据分析结果表明,有机茶园蜘蛛群落组成与普通茶园差异较大,无公害茶园与普通茶园蜘蛛群落组成差异较小;3种类型茶园的茶丛蜘蛛群落个体数、物种数及物种多样性指数、丰富度指数和均匀度指数均高于地表,且表现为机茶园多,无公害茶园次之,普通茶园最少。蜘蛛的功能群采集发现,在3种茶园中结网蜘蛛少,而主要是游猎蜘蛛。(4)不使用化学农药的茶园,因其周边生境结构复杂(竹林、小灌木及杂草),植被丰富,形成植被缓冲带,改善了茶园小气候环境,增加了茶园土表覆盖度,可明显提高茶丛和地表游猎蜘蛛的物种数和个体数量。综合研究结果表明,在生态条件好、干扰少的有机茶园中的蜘蛛物种数量、群落多样性明显高于受损生态系统和人为干扰强的普通茶园。     

Seasonal Incidence and Diversity Pattern of Avian Communities in the Bangalore University Campus,India

The present study deals with the species abundance, diversity and species richness of avian communities in the Bangalore University Campus (BUC), Bengaluru, India. One hundred and six species of birds belonging to 42 families under 68 genera were recorded. Shannon–Wiener’s and Fisher’s alpha diversities, species evenness, species richness of bird communities, number of bird species and percentage of population density of birds between various seasons in the BUC differed significantly between the study years. Of these bird species, the relative abundance (6.96 %) and species distribution ratio (0.070) of Psittacula krameri were highest, whereas relative abundance (0.04 %) and species distribution ratio (0.002) of Coracias benghalensis were lowest. The existing 32 species of flowering plants/trees belonging to 29 genera under 14 families in the campus are used for perching by birds. Moreover 29 species of flowering plants/trees belonging to 24 genera under 16 families depend on birds for pollination and/or seed dispersal. Occurrence of greater bird diversity and abundance of avian communities were recorded highest in the winter season in the BUC premises. In the different seasons, the BUC had varying community structure of birds between the study years. BUC suffers from numerous threats namely grass cutting, fire and grazing of domestic animals. Conservation methods needed for habitat management are restoration of vegetation and wetlands, and increase plant and tree diversity to protect the ecosystem of BUC habitat and to preserve its diversity of avifauna.     

上海城市绿地冬季鸟类群落特征与生境的关系

2005年11月至2006年2月对上海市区绿地鸟类进行了调查,共记录到鸟类34种,隶属5目16科。研究发现冬季鸟类群落结构相对稳定,优势种为麻雀(Passer montanus)和白头鹎(Pycnonotus sinensis)。冬季鸟类群落多样性受多种因素的影响,其中绿地面积、乔木盖度和栖息地类型多样性是影响鸟类多样性的关键因子。聚类结果表明,面积大、生境类型丰富及人为干扰相对较少的绿地,鸟类多样性高。因此提出如下建议:(1)增加城市中植物种类,特别是乡土物种,适当提高冬季常绿乔木以及乔、灌、草的比例;(2)在绿地中尽可能多地保留自然生境;(3)在城市绿地中适当开辟湿地生境,以吸引水鸟栖息。     

Functional and phylogenetic diversity of an agricultural matrix avifauna: The role of habitat heterogeneity in Afrotropical farmland

Varied strategies to alleviate the loss of farmland biodiversity have been tested, yet there is still insufficient evidence supporting their effectiveness, especially when considering phylogenetic and functional diversity alongside traditional taxonomic diversity metrics. This conservation challenge is accentuated in the Afrotropics by the rapid agricultural expansion and intensification for the production of cash crops and by a comparative lack of research. In this study, we assessed how farming practices influence avian phylogenetic and functional diversity. We conducted point‐count surveys to assess avian diversity in monocultures of tea and mixed crop farming systems surrounding the Nyungwe rainforest in south‐west Rwanda, allowing us to investigate the drivers of avian diversity at farm level. Species composition was found to be moderately different between farm types, with mixed crop farms supporting higher phylogenetic diversity than tea plantations. There were no significant seasonal differences in species composition, functional or phylogenetic diversity. Overall, functional diversity did not differ between farm types, but the dispersion of trophic‐related traits was significantly higher in mixed crop farms. Both functional and phylogenetic diversity were influenced by floristic diversity, vegetation height, tree number, and elevation to varying degrees. Our results also (i) highlight the role of farmland heterogeneity (e.g., crop species composition, height, and tree cover extent) in encouraging avian functional and phylogenetic diversity in the Afrotropics and (ii) indicate that the generally negative biodiversity impacts of monoculture agriculture can be partially alleviated by extensive agroforestry with an emphasis on indigenous tree species.     

基于物种落差分析的公园鸟类多样性提升设计——以湖南常德螺湾湿地公园为例

随着城市化发展,许多公园鸟类栖息环境遭受破坏,导致当前的鸟类多样性与历史上的和周边的都存在较大差异,为此,我们从项目区域的当前-周边-历史三者间在鸟类物种及其栖息地上的落差分析入手,以此确定目标物种及其栖息地,并加以归类,从而有针对性地进行相关设计。2016年5月至2017年3月在湖南常德柳叶湖螺湾湿地公园开展的鸟类多样性提升设计中,通过实地调查并结合文献查阅,记录到项目区域16种,周边79种,历史上146种鸟类,运用三者间的物种落差分析法确定主要的21种可恢复目标物种和4种栖息地类型,结合项目区域及周边空间特点,将项目区域划分为4个区域,在各区域内设计并营建相应的栖息地,再配套采用多种鸟类招引措施。至2017年3月,项目区鸟类已可实地观察到39种,并于2017年12月吸引到超过2000只的野鸭群来此越冬。以上实际效果表明,设计有效地提升了湿地公园鸟类多样性且增加了景观要素,可充分发挥生物保护功能。     

The Effects of Cropping Systems on Avian Communities in Cacao and Banana Agro‐Forestry Systems of Talamanca,Costa Rica

Multispecies agro‐forestry is generally lauded for providing ecosystem services, especially in tropical environments. Avian communities contribute to services such as biodiversity and pest management. Characterizing and evaluating avian community composition in similar cropping systems will help optimize management for ecosystem services. We examined the relationship between cropping system vegetation and avian communities in four shaded agro‐forestry systems common to the Limón province of Costa Rica: abandoned and managed systems of cacao, cacao with banana, and banana. During two field seasons, we detected 2605 birds from 106 species and identified 2791 trees and shrubs from 62 morphospecies. We compared vegetation and avian species richness across systems with mixed‐effects linear models. Canopy, understory, and groundcover vegetation differed among agro‐forestry systems. More ground‐ and understory‐foraging forest species were detected in agro‐forestry systems lacking banana, whereas richness of agricultural generalist species was highest in systems with banana. Richness of understory‐ and ground‐foraging species correlated with understory tree species richness and leaf litter. Our results indicate that shaded cacao and banana systems can have similar canopy‐foraging species richness that includes both agricultural and woodland generalist species, but that interspersing banana with cacao can adversely influence understory forest bird community composition. Agro‐forests with diverse understory vegetation support more understory‐foraging bird species that have proven valuable in pest management. Abstract in Spanish is available at http://www.blackwell‐synergy.com/loi/btp .