Orlando A. Acevedo-Charry | University of Puerto Rico (original) (raw)
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Papers by Orlando A. Acevedo-Charry
Remote Sensing, 2017
Acoustic ecology, or ecoacoustics, is a growing field that uses sound as a tool to evaluate anima... more Acoustic ecology, or ecoacoustics, is a growing field that uses sound as a tool to evaluate animal communities. In this manuscript, we evaluate recordings from eight tropical forest sites that vary in species richness, from a relatively low diversity Caribbean forest to a megadiverse Amazonian forest, with the goal of understanding the relationship between acoustic space use (ASU) and species diversity across different taxonomic groups. For each site, we determined the acoustic morphospecies richness and composition of the biophony, and we used a global biodiversity dataset to estimate the regional richness of birds. Here, we demonstrate how detailed information on activity patterns of the acoustic community (<22 kHz) can easily be visualized and ASU determined by aggregating recordings collected over relatively short periods (4–13 days). We show a strong positive relationship between ASU and regional and acoustic morphospecies richness. Premontane forest sites had the highest ASU and the highest species richness, while dry forest and montane sites had lower ASU and lower species richness. Furthermore, we show that insect richness was the best predictor of variation in total ASU, and that insect richness was proportionally greater at high-diversity sites. In addition, insects used a broad range of frequencies, including high frequencies (>8000 Hz), which contributed to greater ASU. This novel approach for analyzing the presence and acoustic activity of multiple taxonomic groups contributes to our understanding of ecological community dynamics and provides a useful tool for monitoring species in the context of restoration ecology, climate change and conservation biology.
Ornitología Colombiana, 2017
Notes on the distribution of Doliornis remseni (Cotingidae) and Buthraupis wetmorei (Thraupidae).... more Notes on the distribution of Doliornis remseni (Cotingidae) and Buthraupis wetmorei (Thraupidae).
The elfin Andean forest, within the tree-line ecotone, have confined but elusive species. We present notes and presence probability models (habitat suitability models) for two threatened and rare species associated with tree-line forest: The Chestnut-bellied Cotinga (Doliornis remseni) and the Masked Mountain-tanager (Buthraupis wetmorei). Recent records in southern Colombia, combined with an extensive review of records, were used to model the probability of presence of these species throughout their distribution. We used the program MaxEnt, and the raw output format to make these models. Our model for the Chestnut-bellied Cotinga is more conservative and better adjusted to the species conditions published elsewhere. We identified key regions to conduct ornithological explorations and validate our projections. Our models for Masked Mountain-tanager match those from the Red Book of threatened birds in Colombia, but add an extension to Ecuador. We suggest conducting ornithological explorations in areas with high probability of presence to validate our predictions and increase the knowledge of tree-line ecotone forest birds. Our suggestion could be supported by explicit alliances between academic institutions, protected areas in Colombia and Ecuador, and the local community. Finally, we comment on the recent records in the Andes of Putumayo, southern Colombia; a region with low-probability of occurrence of these two species, but with high potential for future research.
The foothills of the Eastern Andes of Colombia represent one of the least explored and poorly kno... more The foothills of the Eastern Andes of Colombia represent one of the least explored and poorly known ornithological regions in the northern Neotropics. This area includes the transition between the Andean premontane forests and the tropical savanna of the Orinoco lowland region (the Llanos). Land covers are a mixture of grassland, semi-deciduous and premontane forests within a relatively short geographical distance. Here, I present an inventory of the birds of the lower foothills of the Río Tame Forest Reserve (Río Tame) in Arauca, Colombia. I conducted a biogeographic relationship analysis at the subspecies level, based on the birds collected in Río Tame. Field work took place in 2011 and 2013, at elevations between 630 and 1,023 m. The surveys were based on visual and auditory surveys, complemented with sound recording, mist netting and, when possible, the collection of specimens to document records of particular interest. I recorded 215 bird species belonging to 43 families. Extensions of geographical or altitudinal ranges were documented for 20 species. I recorded 15 species of conservation concern and 19 species with few historical, unsubstantiated records or special interest at the level of subspecies in the Araucan foothills. The biogeographic analysis documents that the Araucan foothill region, at Rio Tame, represents a zone of avifaunal turnover between those of northern vs. southern affinities; with more similarities with the northern Andes avifauna. My results differ from others that found greater similarities between the Eastern Andes slopes and the Sierra de la Macarena, and dissimilarities with the Serranía de Perijá. More phylogeographic studies are needed to elucidate the dynamics of avian turnover at both geographic and taxonomic scales. I highlight the importance of this region to the conservation of birds in Colombia and suggest that it be included as part of the El Cocuy Important Bird Area (IBA), or as a new IBA.
Ruschenberger Tree Boa preyed a Tropical Screech-Owl in Casanare, Colombia. This is the first ide... more Ruschenberger Tree Boa preyed a Tropical Screech-Owl in Casanare, Colombia. This is the first identified bird preyed upon by Ruschenberger Tree Boa, and the first bird of prey consumed by a tree boa in the genus Corallus.
Abstract. A las aves de mi llano: a bird checklist by the Colombian Orinoco folklore. Birds are o... more Abstract. A las aves de mi llano: a bird checklist by the Colombian Orinoco folklore. Birds are one of the most commonly biological groups referred on the folklore and cultural expressions. Birds and music are both sources of inspiration and pride in the Orinoquia region, in the eastern region of the Andes. We attempted to identify almost 95 bird species named in the musical poem, A las aves de mi llano (in English, To the birds of my Llanos) by Tirso Deldado, which is a folkloric expression from Casanare, Colombia. We also present the taxonomic identity of other components of biodiversity mentioned in this musical poem.
Acta Biologica Colombiana
Colombia is important for migratory birds. Despite this, we do not know where they are during the... more Colombia is important for migratory birds. Despite this, we do not know where they are during their crossing or residency in the country, and which species use paramo. We registered new migratory bird species for laguna del Otún, immersed in a complex of wetlands declared a Ramsar site since 2008. The lagoon is located in the Los Nevados National Natural Park at 3932 m asl, in paramo ecosystems of the Central Andes of Colombia. During five field trips between 20102012 we recorded four new migratory bird species for the park: Anas acuta, Pandion haliaetus, Riparia riparia, and Dendroica petechia. We also registered an altitudinal range extension for two additional migratory species which had only been recorded below 3500 m: Tringa flavipes and Hirundo rustica. These findings suggest these species could tolerate high mountain conditions and use the paramo. It's needed inquiry about migratory dynamics and high mountain habitat use by migratory birds.
This is a range extension on the known distribution of Harpy Eagle (Harpia harpyja) and Black-Haw... more This is a range extension on the known distribution of Harpy Eagle (Harpia harpyja) and Black-Hawk Eagle (Spizaetus tyrannus) in the ecotone between Andes and Orinoquian Llanos. Humand-wildlife conflicts are reported with these big raptors in a poorly explored region: the foothills of Arauca department in Colombia.
Bulletin of the British Ornithologists Club, 2015
Birds of the Orinoquian region of Colombia: A review on its records. A catalog of bird species re... more Birds of the Orinoquian region of Colombia: A review on its records. A catalog of bird species recorded in the Orinoquian region of Colombia is presented. Records were compiled from the databases of 36 museums or scientific collections, acoustic recordings, and online platforms to compile bird sightings. An extensive literature review was also conducted. The compiled list includes about 12,000 specimens of 761 species, 435 genera, 106 families, and 26 orders. Families presenting the largest number of genera and species are Tyrannidae (59 genera/102 species), Thamnophilidae (27/57), Thraupidae (22/53), Furnariidae (24/43), and Trochilidae (25/42). The 20 families presenting the greatest richness account for 72.4% richness at the specific level and 69.1% at the generic level. Genera presenting the largest number of species are Sporophila (11), Tangara (10), Myrmotherula (9), Thamnophilus (9), Euphonia (8), and Phaethornis (8). Thirty-seven species of international conservation interest (Near Threatened, Vulnerable, and Endangered) were recorded, and 14 species recorded as endemic to the Orinoquia were found. The distribution of about 20 species in the Orinoquian region of Colombia was either confirmed or expanded. Long-term studies should be conducted on local and regional avifauna, and those species of conservation interest should be closely monitored. To consolidate the bird inventory for the Orinoquian region of Colombia, further explorations in frontier areas and other little-explored areas are urgently needed.
Knowledge of the existing biodiversity is the basis of conservation. To establish Area of Importa... more Knowledge of the existing biodiversity is the basis of conservation. To establish Area of Important Bird Area (IBA) in the valley of Sibundoy (department of Putumayo, Quindicocha territory, in the southwest of Colombia). I conducted 21 days of birding in 11 areas between May and June 2013. I recorded 164 bird species; nine of these species correspond to distribution amplitudes or conirmations in the region. The results support the request to designate this region as an IBA, independent to IBA Laguna de la Cocha. It meets the BirdLife International criteria regarding the presence of endangered species -A1 (Hapalopsittaca amazonina; Grallaria rufocinerea; Doliornis remseni; Sericossypha albocristata; Buthraupis wetmorei; Hypopyrrhus pyrohypogaster), the presence of seven birds restricted to ive Endemic Bird Areas (EBAs) -A2, and the presence of 27 species of birds restricted to the North Andes biome -A3. Some of the species not included for IBA Laguna de la Cocha.
Presentado el 17 de enero de 2013, aceptado el 13 de febrero de 2013, correcciones el 26 de febre... more Presentado el 17 de enero de 2013, aceptado el 13 de febrero de 2013, correcciones el 26 de febrero de 2013.
Remote Sensing, 2017
Acoustic ecology, or ecoacoustics, is a growing field that uses sound as a tool to evaluate anima... more Acoustic ecology, or ecoacoustics, is a growing field that uses sound as a tool to evaluate animal communities. In this manuscript, we evaluate recordings from eight tropical forest sites that vary in species richness, from a relatively low diversity Caribbean forest to a megadiverse Amazonian forest, with the goal of understanding the relationship between acoustic space use (ASU) and species diversity across different taxonomic groups. For each site, we determined the acoustic morphospecies richness and composition of the biophony, and we used a global biodiversity dataset to estimate the regional richness of birds. Here, we demonstrate how detailed information on activity patterns of the acoustic community (<22 kHz) can easily be visualized and ASU determined by aggregating recordings collected over relatively short periods (4–13 days). We show a strong positive relationship between ASU and regional and acoustic morphospecies richness. Premontane forest sites had the highest ASU and the highest species richness, while dry forest and montane sites had lower ASU and lower species richness. Furthermore, we show that insect richness was the best predictor of variation in total ASU, and that insect richness was proportionally greater at high-diversity sites. In addition, insects used a broad range of frequencies, including high frequencies (>8000 Hz), which contributed to greater ASU. This novel approach for analyzing the presence and acoustic activity of multiple taxonomic groups contributes to our understanding of ecological community dynamics and provides a useful tool for monitoring species in the context of restoration ecology, climate change and conservation biology.
Ornitología Colombiana, 2017
Notes on the distribution of Doliornis remseni (Cotingidae) and Buthraupis wetmorei (Thraupidae).... more Notes on the distribution of Doliornis remseni (Cotingidae) and Buthraupis wetmorei (Thraupidae).
The elfin Andean forest, within the tree-line ecotone, have confined but elusive species. We present notes and presence probability models (habitat suitability models) for two threatened and rare species associated with tree-line forest: The Chestnut-bellied Cotinga (Doliornis remseni) and the Masked Mountain-tanager (Buthraupis wetmorei). Recent records in southern Colombia, combined with an extensive review of records, were used to model the probability of presence of these species throughout their distribution. We used the program MaxEnt, and the raw output format to make these models. Our model for the Chestnut-bellied Cotinga is more conservative and better adjusted to the species conditions published elsewhere. We identified key regions to conduct ornithological explorations and validate our projections. Our models for Masked Mountain-tanager match those from the Red Book of threatened birds in Colombia, but add an extension to Ecuador. We suggest conducting ornithological explorations in areas with high probability of presence to validate our predictions and increase the knowledge of tree-line ecotone forest birds. Our suggestion could be supported by explicit alliances between academic institutions, protected areas in Colombia and Ecuador, and the local community. Finally, we comment on the recent records in the Andes of Putumayo, southern Colombia; a region with low-probability of occurrence of these two species, but with high potential for future research.
The foothills of the Eastern Andes of Colombia represent one of the least explored and poorly kno... more The foothills of the Eastern Andes of Colombia represent one of the least explored and poorly known ornithological regions in the northern Neotropics. This area includes the transition between the Andean premontane forests and the tropical savanna of the Orinoco lowland region (the Llanos). Land covers are a mixture of grassland, semi-deciduous and premontane forests within a relatively short geographical distance. Here, I present an inventory of the birds of the lower foothills of the Río Tame Forest Reserve (Río Tame) in Arauca, Colombia. I conducted a biogeographic relationship analysis at the subspecies level, based on the birds collected in Río Tame. Field work took place in 2011 and 2013, at elevations between 630 and 1,023 m. The surveys were based on visual and auditory surveys, complemented with sound recording, mist netting and, when possible, the collection of specimens to document records of particular interest. I recorded 215 bird species belonging to 43 families. Extensions of geographical or altitudinal ranges were documented for 20 species. I recorded 15 species of conservation concern and 19 species with few historical, unsubstantiated records or special interest at the level of subspecies in the Araucan foothills. The biogeographic analysis documents that the Araucan foothill region, at Rio Tame, represents a zone of avifaunal turnover between those of northern vs. southern affinities; with more similarities with the northern Andes avifauna. My results differ from others that found greater similarities between the Eastern Andes slopes and the Sierra de la Macarena, and dissimilarities with the Serranía de Perijá. More phylogeographic studies are needed to elucidate the dynamics of avian turnover at both geographic and taxonomic scales. I highlight the importance of this region to the conservation of birds in Colombia and suggest that it be included as part of the El Cocuy Important Bird Area (IBA), or as a new IBA.
Ruschenberger Tree Boa preyed a Tropical Screech-Owl in Casanare, Colombia. This is the first ide... more Ruschenberger Tree Boa preyed a Tropical Screech-Owl in Casanare, Colombia. This is the first identified bird preyed upon by Ruschenberger Tree Boa, and the first bird of prey consumed by a tree boa in the genus Corallus.
Abstract. A las aves de mi llano: a bird checklist by the Colombian Orinoco folklore. Birds are o... more Abstract. A las aves de mi llano: a bird checklist by the Colombian Orinoco folklore. Birds are one of the most commonly biological groups referred on the folklore and cultural expressions. Birds and music are both sources of inspiration and pride in the Orinoquia region, in the eastern region of the Andes. We attempted to identify almost 95 bird species named in the musical poem, A las aves de mi llano (in English, To the birds of my Llanos) by Tirso Deldado, which is a folkloric expression from Casanare, Colombia. We also present the taxonomic identity of other components of biodiversity mentioned in this musical poem.
Acta Biologica Colombiana
Colombia is important for migratory birds. Despite this, we do not know where they are during the... more Colombia is important for migratory birds. Despite this, we do not know where they are during their crossing or residency in the country, and which species use paramo. We registered new migratory bird species for laguna del Otún, immersed in a complex of wetlands declared a Ramsar site since 2008. The lagoon is located in the Los Nevados National Natural Park at 3932 m asl, in paramo ecosystems of the Central Andes of Colombia. During five field trips between 20102012 we recorded four new migratory bird species for the park: Anas acuta, Pandion haliaetus, Riparia riparia, and Dendroica petechia. We also registered an altitudinal range extension for two additional migratory species which had only been recorded below 3500 m: Tringa flavipes and Hirundo rustica. These findings suggest these species could tolerate high mountain conditions and use the paramo. It's needed inquiry about migratory dynamics and high mountain habitat use by migratory birds.
This is a range extension on the known distribution of Harpy Eagle (Harpia harpyja) and Black-Haw... more This is a range extension on the known distribution of Harpy Eagle (Harpia harpyja) and Black-Hawk Eagle (Spizaetus tyrannus) in the ecotone between Andes and Orinoquian Llanos. Humand-wildlife conflicts are reported with these big raptors in a poorly explored region: the foothills of Arauca department in Colombia.
Bulletin of the British Ornithologists Club, 2015
Birds of the Orinoquian region of Colombia: A review on its records. A catalog of bird species re... more Birds of the Orinoquian region of Colombia: A review on its records. A catalog of bird species recorded in the Orinoquian region of Colombia is presented. Records were compiled from the databases of 36 museums or scientific collections, acoustic recordings, and online platforms to compile bird sightings. An extensive literature review was also conducted. The compiled list includes about 12,000 specimens of 761 species, 435 genera, 106 families, and 26 orders. Families presenting the largest number of genera and species are Tyrannidae (59 genera/102 species), Thamnophilidae (27/57), Thraupidae (22/53), Furnariidae (24/43), and Trochilidae (25/42). The 20 families presenting the greatest richness account for 72.4% richness at the specific level and 69.1% at the generic level. Genera presenting the largest number of species are Sporophila (11), Tangara (10), Myrmotherula (9), Thamnophilus (9), Euphonia (8), and Phaethornis (8). Thirty-seven species of international conservation interest (Near Threatened, Vulnerable, and Endangered) were recorded, and 14 species recorded as endemic to the Orinoquia were found. The distribution of about 20 species in the Orinoquian region of Colombia was either confirmed or expanded. Long-term studies should be conducted on local and regional avifauna, and those species of conservation interest should be closely monitored. To consolidate the bird inventory for the Orinoquian region of Colombia, further explorations in frontier areas and other little-explored areas are urgently needed.
Knowledge of the existing biodiversity is the basis of conservation. To establish Area of Importa... more Knowledge of the existing biodiversity is the basis of conservation. To establish Area of Important Bird Area (IBA) in the valley of Sibundoy (department of Putumayo, Quindicocha territory, in the southwest of Colombia). I conducted 21 days of birding in 11 areas between May and June 2013. I recorded 164 bird species; nine of these species correspond to distribution amplitudes or conirmations in the region. The results support the request to designate this region as an IBA, independent to IBA Laguna de la Cocha. It meets the BirdLife International criteria regarding the presence of endangered species -A1 (Hapalopsittaca amazonina; Grallaria rufocinerea; Doliornis remseni; Sericossypha albocristata; Buthraupis wetmorei; Hypopyrrhus pyrohypogaster), the presence of seven birds restricted to ive Endemic Bird Areas (EBAs) -A2, and the presence of 27 species of birds restricted to the North Andes biome -A3. Some of the species not included for IBA Laguna de la Cocha.
Presentado el 17 de enero de 2013, aceptado el 13 de febrero de 2013, correcciones el 26 de febre... more Presentado el 17 de enero de 2013, aceptado el 13 de febrero de 2013, correcciones el 26 de febrero de 2013.