Spatial patterns of bird diversity and estimation of areas of different conservation value in a mediterranean ecosystem of central Chile

The Mediterranean region of central Chile is one of the 34 global hotspots. Paradoxically it is the region most affected by human disturbance in the country and with most exotic species. This makes it necessary to understand how certain factors affect their biodiversity at the local level. A first step is to evaluate the habitat structure and its association with the biota to be conserved. Birds have been a focus of interest in determining conservation values (VC) of the territory, because it is a fundamental socio-cultural component and because many species are indicators of good environmental quality. In addition, they play an important role in the context of ecosystem services. Considering the topographic and vegetative heterogeneity of the area, plus the high taxonomic-functional avifauna diversity, we evaluated the hypothesis of high spatial and temporal variation of community structure, associated to altitude-vegetation-exposure categories, which should be consistent with different VC on a small scale. In order to determine the existence of spatial patterns of avifauna structure at microscale and its association with different habitats in a Mediterranean ecosystem, we characterize the community structure of birds and habitat attributes, associating both types of data. In addition, we estimate VC of different areas based on community attributes: richness, diversity and taxonomic distinction. Spatial patterns suggest associations to highlands, forested vegetation and areas of the western slope. This generated significant VC differences between habitat types. The results are discussed in a ecological context and factors to be considered in the future in terms of conservation.